- COLD WAR -
Berlin Blockade
= The Berlin Blockade was an attempt in 1948
by the Soviet Union to limit the ability of the US,
UK and France to travel to their respective
sectors of the city of Berlin.
Stalin expected Truman to announce a
humiliating withdrawal from Berlin – give the
Soviets control of Berlin & a propaganda victory.
BERLIN CRISIS
<- Timeline
CAUSES OF BERLIN BLOCKADE
isabelle
Western currency reform (June 1948) - immediate trigger
A new currency, the Deutschmark, was introduced in the combined allied zones to stabilise
G’s economy. The introduction of two different currencies in G indicated that trade relations
would be destroyed. The Soviets saw this as a direct challenge to their control and a step
towards the economic unification of the Western zones, excluding the East.
Stalin’s response: protested by introducing his own currency, Ostmark.
Formation of Trizonia - immediate trigger
In March 1948 the Allied powers decided to unite their different occupation zones of
Germany into a single economic unit. The Soviets viewed this as a violation of the Potsdam
Agreement. The formation of Trizonia signalled a political shift towards greater cooperation
and integration among the Western Allies. This move was perceived by the Soviets as a step
towards the political division of Germany, undermining their goal of a unified,
communist-controlled Germany.
Stalin’s response: the Soviet representative withdrew from the Allied Control Council.
, Tensions between the two ideologies
After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the US,
the USSR, the UK, and France. Berlin, located deep within the Soviet zone, was also divided
among the four powers. This arrangement created tensions as the Western Allies and the
Soviets had differing visions for Germany's future.
The Western Allies aimed to: The Soviets aimed to:
1. Establish a democratic political system 1. Establish a government aligned with
Soviet socialist principles: SED
2. Rebuild and stabilise G’s economy 2. Ensure G’s economy is economically
dependent on the USSR to prevent
Germany from becoming a threat again
3. Containment of Soviet influence 3. Create a buffer zone of friendly,
communist states in EE to protect against
any future invasions from the West
(SED: Socialist Unity Party of Germany)
Marshall Plan (1948)
isabelle
The Marshall Plan, initiated by the United States to aid European reconstruction, was another
point of contention. The Soviet Union opposed the plan, seeing it as a means for the US to
gain influence in Europe. By accepting Marshall Plan aid, countries in Western Europe,
including West Germany, were seen as aligning themselves with the United States and
Western ideologies. The Soviet Union perceived this alignment as a move towards creating a
bloc of Western-aligned states that would oppose Soviet interests. The Marshall Plan thereby
increased the ideological divide between East and West.
REASON FOR BERLIN BLOCKADE
Political Control: The Soviets sought to consolidate their control over all of Berlin and
Germany. By blockading West Berlin, they aimed to pressure the Western Allies to abandon
the city, which would strengthen Soviet influence and potentially lead to the reunification of
Berlin under Soviet control.
Berlin Blockade
= The Berlin Blockade was an attempt in 1948
by the Soviet Union to limit the ability of the US,
UK and France to travel to their respective
sectors of the city of Berlin.
Stalin expected Truman to announce a
humiliating withdrawal from Berlin – give the
Soviets control of Berlin & a propaganda victory.
BERLIN CRISIS
<- Timeline
CAUSES OF BERLIN BLOCKADE
isabelle
Western currency reform (June 1948) - immediate trigger
A new currency, the Deutschmark, was introduced in the combined allied zones to stabilise
G’s economy. The introduction of two different currencies in G indicated that trade relations
would be destroyed. The Soviets saw this as a direct challenge to their control and a step
towards the economic unification of the Western zones, excluding the East.
Stalin’s response: protested by introducing his own currency, Ostmark.
Formation of Trizonia - immediate trigger
In March 1948 the Allied powers decided to unite their different occupation zones of
Germany into a single economic unit. The Soviets viewed this as a violation of the Potsdam
Agreement. The formation of Trizonia signalled a political shift towards greater cooperation
and integration among the Western Allies. This move was perceived by the Soviets as a step
towards the political division of Germany, undermining their goal of a unified,
communist-controlled Germany.
Stalin’s response: the Soviet representative withdrew from the Allied Control Council.
, Tensions between the two ideologies
After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the US,
the USSR, the UK, and France. Berlin, located deep within the Soviet zone, was also divided
among the four powers. This arrangement created tensions as the Western Allies and the
Soviets had differing visions for Germany's future.
The Western Allies aimed to: The Soviets aimed to:
1. Establish a democratic political system 1. Establish a government aligned with
Soviet socialist principles: SED
2. Rebuild and stabilise G’s economy 2. Ensure G’s economy is economically
dependent on the USSR to prevent
Germany from becoming a threat again
3. Containment of Soviet influence 3. Create a buffer zone of friendly,
communist states in EE to protect against
any future invasions from the West
(SED: Socialist Unity Party of Germany)
Marshall Plan (1948)
isabelle
The Marshall Plan, initiated by the United States to aid European reconstruction, was another
point of contention. The Soviet Union opposed the plan, seeing it as a means for the US to
gain influence in Europe. By accepting Marshall Plan aid, countries in Western Europe,
including West Germany, were seen as aligning themselves with the United States and
Western ideologies. The Soviet Union perceived this alignment as a move towards creating a
bloc of Western-aligned states that would oppose Soviet interests. The Marshall Plan thereby
increased the ideological divide between East and West.
REASON FOR BERLIN BLOCKADE
Political Control: The Soviets sought to consolidate their control over all of Berlin and
Germany. By blockading West Berlin, they aimed to pressure the Western Allies to abandon
the city, which would strengthen Soviet influence and potentially lead to the reunification of
Berlin under Soviet control.
