How Did The Berlin Airlift Impact The Resolution Of The Cold War?

Section 1

Identification and Evaluation of Sources

This investigation will focus on the question, 'To what extent did the Berlin airlift impact the resolution of the Cold War?". Around Western Berlin, the Berlin airlift occurred from June 24, 1948 – May 12, 1949. This investigation explores the efforts that went into organizing the Airlift, its impact on the citizens of west berlin, and how the event aided in the Cold War resolution. The overall effort of the Airlift was to counter the Berlin blockade imposed by the Soviet regime.

My first source is a cartoon that is portrayed through Fitzpatrick's illustration of America making a jab toward Russian attempts, short of a direct declaration of war, to push the Western powers from Berlin.

The blockade was an effort by the Soviet Union to seize control of the entire city of Berlin and drive the Western forces out of the city, which was located deep inside of East Germany. In an effort to keep the city alive and operating, the Western Allies responded by airlifting supplies into West Berlin, including food, fuel, and other needs. More than 2.3 million tons of supplies were airlifted into the city during the operation, which ran from June 1948 to May 1949, with planes landing every few

The Soviet Union received international criticism for its blockade of West Berlin during the Berlin Airlift. (Berlin Blockade | Overview, Significance, History, & Facts, 2023). The use of air corridors by the Western Allies to supply West Berlin was viewed by the Soviet Union as a breach of their agreements with the Allies. (How The Allies Defeated The Soviet Blockade Of Berlin In The Cold War, n.d.)The Soviet Union continued to blockade West Berlin despite widespread condemnation (How The Allies Defeated The Soviet Blockade Of Berlin In The Cold War, n.d.). The Berlin Airlift was started as a response by the Western Allies to keep food and supplies going to West Berlin and to keep it connected to the West. (How The Allies Defeated The Soviet Blockade Of Berlin In The Cold War, n.d.) (Berlin Crisis of 1961 | Facts, Significance, & Outcome, 2023). At its height, one aircraft every minute was landing during the Berlin Airlift, which was a successful operation (How The Allies Defeated The Soviet Blockade Of Berlin In The Cold War, n.d.). Due to economic problems in East Berlin, the Soviet Union lifted the embargo on May 12, 1949, which allowed life to continue in West Berlin for a further 11 months. A pivotal moment in the Cold War, the Berlin Airlift showed how determined the