After 15 long months and more than 250,000 flights, the Berlin Airlift finally came to an end (History Channel). Eventually in Decemeber 1948, Josef Stalin realized his plan didn't work as well as he hoped. The failure of Soviet Union powers confirmed a failure through the Berlin blockade. The Soviet Union and Allies reached an agreement May 4, and the blockade was finally lifted on May 12, 1949. Coincentially, Soviet propaganda said the airlift was a success for the Russians. Even though the blockade ended in May of 1949, it took months for West Berlin's economy to recover therefore they still needed supplies and food (History Channel). Yet, this was a tremendous victory and first long battle for the Western powers of the Cold War. It was such a success because not a single shot was fired. The United States became famous for their "Yankee ingenuity" (History Channel). Although 101 pilots were killed during lift, not a single shot was fired (Truman Library). Through this airlift, the world got a little taste of the Soviet Union's goal and their plan to starve innocent citizens.
When the blockade was finally lifted, two separate German states were formed in Berlin; East and West Germany. West Berlin was still under the Western Powers and they formed the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). Which the Russians decided to form their own government, the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This event was important because it showed the Soviet Union, the Allies was determined to stop the spread of communism. This was essential to stop Stalin in the act in Berlin rather than all of Europe. Many were also influenced by the United States democracy. The Allies determination and courage was key to show the Russians their leadership, resourcefullness, and fight.
Image from Wikipedia Commons
East Germany Flag Map/ CC-BY-SA-3.0
.png){kind=link}
