|
Timeline
Yalta
Potsdam
Atomic Age
Iron Curtain
United Nations
Truman Dotrine
Marshal Plan
Berlin
Nato
China
Korea
Space Race
Cuba
Berlin Wall
Vietnam
Detente
Afghanistan
Star Wars
Glast Nost
Berlin Wall
Fall of U.S.S.R.
|
Berlin
By 1949 the division between Western and Eastern Germany seemed permanent, and the Western powers were intent that their Germany be economically strong. To this end they introduced a new currency in West Germany, the Deutschmark, in order to curb inflation. However, the currency was also introduced in the Western sector of Berlin, which the Soviets saw as a threat to their position in East Germany. In response, the Russians closed all roads, rail, and waterways from West Berlin to West Germany on the 24th of June. The Americans, unwilling to fail the Truman Doctrine, decided to stay their ground and back the Berlin people. Neither side, the US nor the Soviets, were willing to fire the first shots; instead, the Western allies embarked on a non-stop airlift of food and supplies from West Germany to Berlin, continuing until May 1949.
|
