Berlin Airlift

Berlin blockade :

• In order to control the entire city of Berlin, in 1948, the Soviets blocked the Western Allies' way to provide the city in food and fuel. By doing so, the Soviets could begin to supply the Berliners themselves.

Berliners watching a C-54 land at Tempelhof Airport (1948)

 Berlin airlift :

• The United States Air Force and British Royal Air Force were sent by the Western Allies to deliver cargos to the Berliners. The operation succeded and the supply was even more efficient than when it was by railway.
• The blockade was finally over in May 1949 and resulted in the division of Germany :
• West Germany = The Federal Republic of Germany, including West Berlin
• East Germany = German Democratic Republic, including East Berlin

 See :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Blockade