Containment is the attempt to stop the spread of communism. The Cold War split into two main parts and one was communism. Then the Marshall Plan was sent into action. The United States dedicated 12 billion dollars to European countries to help them rebuild after all the damage done.
By the end of the war, Germany was occupied by 4 major forces. The capital of Berlin was also divided between communism and independence. Joseph Stalin decided to put up a blockade around West Germany. (Doc B) The blockade