June 26 - The Berlin Airlift Begins

This Day in History: 26 June 2020

 

26 June 1948

 

72 years ago, today, the United States initiated the Berlin airlift in response to the Soviet blockade of land routes into West Berlin. Food, water, and medicine were transported to the citizens of the city, which continued for nearly a year, sustaining the population of West Berlin. The blockade had begun two days prior, as the Soviet Union cut off all travel to and from the city, which was located inside the Soviet zone of occupation in Germany. This action taken by the Soviets was in response to the refusal of American and British officials to allow more Soviet influence in the decisions made about the economic future of Germany.

 

The provoking move by the Soviets shocked President Harry S. Truman, leading to a direct military response. However, as Truman did not want to spark World War Three, he instead ordered a grand airlift of supplies into West Berlin. Over 200,000 planes would carry in more than one-and-a-half million tons of supplies. However, this blockade was continued until May 1949, when it became apparent that the blockade had simply been a diplomatic fiasco for the Soviets. They were internationally portrayed as bullies that held men, woman and children hostage, as they threatened them with starvation. The American airlift success also backfired against the Soviets as it highlighted the American's technological superiority.

 

Want to find out more about the Berlin blockade and airlift? Click here for more information on the airlift, or here for more about the blockade.