What is the Berlin Airlift?

The Berlin Airlift refers to a massive aerial operation that took place from 1948 to 1949, aimed at supplying West Berlin during the Soviet blockade. After World War II, Germany was divided into East and West, with West Berlin situated deep within East Germany. In June 1948, the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on all ground routes to West Berlin, attempting to force the Allies out of the city.

In response, the United States and its allies organized a sustained airlift to deliver food, fuel, and other essential supplies to the residents of West Berlin. Over the course of nearly a year, planes carried in more than two million tons of cargo, ensuring that the population could survive despite the blockade. This operation was not only critical for maintaining the well-being of West Berlin's citizens but also served as a major point of conflict in the early Cold War, showcasing the tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. The success of the airlift symbolized Western resolve against Soviet aggression and solidified the division of Berlin into East and West.