The Berlin Blockade

After the end of World War II, the victorious countries divided the defeated Germany’s territory in four occupation zones. Berlin, though located in a Soviet occupied zone, was also divided resulting in the United States, Great Britain, and France ruling over West Berlin and the Soviet Union over East Berlin.

With each country having freedom on how to govern their zones, the differences between the East and the West were made very apparent. The clear contrast between the United States and the Soviet Union’s ideology led to a battle of power and superiority, which would later become the Cold War. In 1948 the increasing tensions resulted in a full blown crisis in the city of Berlin.

In June, the Soviet Union took advantage of its geographical position to block any access to and from West Berlin. This prevented the arrival of food, medicine, fuel and many other essential resources to the people in West Berlin. This Cold War crisis threatened great repercussions if not handled correctly.