Question
hat action did the United States and its allies ke during the Berlin Airlift'? Why?
Solution
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LucasProfessional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
During the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), the United States and its allies, primarily the United Kingdom, took the following action:<br /><br />**Action:** They organized and executed a massive airlift operation to deliver food, fuel, and other essential supplies to West Berlin. This was done by flying in supplies from Western sectors of Germany and other allied countries, bypassing the Soviet blockade of land access to West Berlin.<br /><br />**Why:**<br /><br />* **To counter the Soviet blockade:** The Soviet Union had imposed a blockade on West Berlin, cutting off all land and water access to the city. This was a direct challenge to the Western powers' influence in post-war Germany.<br />* **To support West Berliners:** The blockade was intended to starve the city into submission and force the Western powers to relinquish their control over West Berlin. The airlift was a humanitarian effort to prevent this from happening and to support the West Berlin population.<br />* **To demonstrate Western resolve:** The airlift was a symbolic act of defiance against Soviet aggression. It showed the world that the Western powers were willing to stand up to the Soviets and defend their interests.<br />* **To prevent the spread of communism:** The airlift was seen as a crucial step in containing the spread of communism in Europe. By supporting West Berlin, the Western powers were preventing it from falling under Soviet control.<br /><br />The Berlin Airlift was a remarkable feat of logistics and a testament to the determination of the Western powers. It ultimately proved successful in breaking the Soviet blockade and preventing the fall of West Berlin. It also played a significant role in shaping the Cold War and the division of Europe. <br />
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