BERLIN AIRLIFT 1948-1949

June 1948 Soviets wanted control of West Berlin after WWII ended Soviets sets up blockades In response, the United States aids in flying in supplies to West Berlin Food, water, and medicine to Berlin citizens This went on for over a year! Over 2 million people in West Berlin at the time

Allies vs. Allies? Soviets wanted more economic control, Britain and U.S. didn’t want to give it to them Americans wanted to avoid a WWIII Over 200,000 American planes were used over the year

May 1949 Soviet blockade ends People in West Berlin were starving under Soviet control Soviets seen as an international bully West Berlin suffers under Soviets and Americans come in to save the day http://www.britannica.com/event/Berlin-blockade-and-airlift -shows the power of the U.S. -shows the technological advancements in the U.S.

Airlift Memorial “hunger rake” Berlin Airlift Memorial, Tempelhof Airport