Divided Berlin After WW2, Germany and Berlin were divided into four zones. All the zones were in economic chaos. Stalin feared a recovering Germany, so wanted to cripple it. In 1946, France, Britain and the USA combined their zones, and in 1948 they reformed the currency. The Blockade Stalin felt that the USA's handling of Germany was provocative. In June 1948, Stalin blocked off all supply lines, cutting off 2 million people in West Berlin. If US tanks did try to ram the blocks imposed, it would be seen as an act of war. Truman wanted to show that he was serious about his policy of containment. The Berlin Airlift The only way into Berlin was air. In June 1948, the Allies decided to airlift supplies to West Berlin. For the next ten months, planes were bringing in everything West Berliners needed with the planes coming in 3 times a minute. By May 1949, it was clear that the Allies weren't going to give up so Stalin reopened the communications. Conse...
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