The Berlin Blockade and Airlift
The first great crisis of the Cold War: the division of Berlin into zones, the Soviet blockade of West Berlin in 1948, the Western airlift of 1948-49, and the lasting consequences.
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The Berlin Blockade and Airlift 🛫
After the war Germany and its capital Berlin were each divided into four zones, and Berlin lay deep inside the Soviet zone. In 1948 Stalin blockaded West Berlin to force the Western powers out. The West replied with a huge airlift that supplied the city until the blockade was lifted in 1949.
Words for the crisis 🔑
Learn these four terms before you judge the crisis.
Soviet aim and Western response 🆚
Each side acted to win the crisis over Berlin.
Grade 9 thinking 💡
To reach the top grades, assess the significance of the Berlin crisis, and weigh the airlift as a Western victory against the way it deepened the Cold War.
Match the event to what it was 🔗
- the blockade
- the airlift
- the four zones
- NATO
- Stalin closing the routes to West Berlin
- the West flying in supplies by air
- the division of Germany and Berlin after the war
- the Western defensive alliance formed in 1949
Match the term to its meaning 🧩
- blockade
- airlift
- zone
- Cold War
- cutting off supplies to force someone to give in
- flying in supplies when land routes are closed
- an area of occupation controlled by one power
- a rivalry of tension without direct war
Why the blockade? ❓
Why did Stalin blockade West Berlin?
- To force the Western powers to leave Berlin.
- To open new trade routes to the west.
- To send help to the people of West Berlin.
Consequences of the crisis ✅
Select the TWO consequences of the Berlin crisis.
- Germany was split into West and East Germany.
- NATO was formed.
- Germany was reunited.
- The Cold War ended.
Order the crisis 🪜
An interactive activity.
Summarise the crisis 📝
Germany and _____ were divided into four _____. In 1948 _____ blockaded West Berlin, so the West began an _____ to supply the city. The blockade was lifted in 1949, and later _____ was formed to defend the West.
Count the zones 🔢
An interactive activity.
Spot the two consequences 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Blockade or airlift? 🧭
An interactive activity.
Assess the crisis ✍️
An interactive activity.