Berlin Blockade and Airlift
West Berlin, Germany (main hub: Tempelhof Airport)
What happened
The Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin; the United States, Britain and France, with aircrews from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, flew supplies in. The US commander was General Lucius D. Clay. After World War II, Berlin was divided between the Allies, deep inside the Soviet zone of Germany. When the Western Allies brought in a new currency, the Deutsche Mark, the Soviets shut all roads, railways and canals into West Berlin. For almost a year, Allied planes flew in food, fuel and coal until the Soviets lifted the blockade.
Why it matters
Why it matters: A dangerous crisis between former allies was solved by flying in supplies, not by fighting. It increased support in Europe for the NATO alliance.
What came next
The Soviets lifted the blockade on 12 May 1949, and the airlift carried on until 30 September 1949 to build up stores. Tempelhof Airport, the airlift's main hub, is now a huge public park called Tempelhofer Feld.
Did you know?
Pilot Gail Halvorsen dropped sweets on tiny parachutes to Berlin's children, who called the planes 'raisin bombers'.
Timeline
- 24 June 1948The Soviet Union blocks land routes into West Berlin.
- 26 June 1948The airlift begins.
- 12 May 1949The blockade is lifted.
- 30 September 1949The last airlift flight lands.
- May 2010Tempelhofer Feld opens as a public park.