Why Is The Berlin Airlift: Important To American History
After World War II Germany was divided into sections, with the section including Berlin belonging to communist controlled Soviet Union. Many nations, including America, had friends and family living in the city. These nations did not agree with the communist ideals of the Soviets, and wanted to make sure they were not being mistreated in the city. The Berlin Airlift is important to American history because it showed that Americans were not afraid to stand up to their former allies and aid their people in a time of need.
Because of Germany’s loss in World War II, their country and capital city of Berlin were divided into sectors and put under control of the British, French, Americans, and Soviets. Berlin was technically in the Soviet Union’s occupied zone, so they believed that they should have complete control of the city. To promote this idea, they closed all highways, canals, and railroads going to and from West Germany, controlled by the other nations. This made it difficult for nations to bring in supplies to their own sectors in Berlin. Soviets thought that this would help drive those countries and their people out of Berlin, but it only angered them more. …show more content…
This became known as “the Berlin Airlift” and lasted a little over a year, bringing in 2.3 million tons of cargo into West Berlin during the time period. A United States military commander in Germany named Lucius Clay said, “If we withdraw [from Berlin], our position in Europe is threatened, and Communism will run rampant.” which made the American people support this operation more, as one of their greatest fears at the time was the spread of
Because of Germany’s loss in World War II, their country and capital city of Berlin were divided into sectors and put under control of the British, French, Americans, and Soviets. Berlin was technically in the Soviet Union’s occupied zone, so they believed that they should have complete control of the city. To promote this idea, they closed all highways, canals, and railroads going to and from West Germany, controlled by the other nations. This made it difficult for nations to bring in supplies to their own sectors in Berlin. Soviets thought that this would help drive those countries and their people out of Berlin, but it only angered them more. …show more content…
This became known as “the Berlin Airlift” and lasted a little over a year, bringing in 2.3 million tons of cargo into West Berlin during the time period. A United States military commander in Germany named Lucius Clay said, “If we withdraw [from Berlin], our position in Europe is threatened, and Communism will run rampant.” which made the American people support this operation more, as one of their greatest fears at the time was the spread of