HISTORY: Cold War Worksheet 1: The Berlin Blockade

How many tons of food and raw materials was flown to Berlin by May 1949?

2.3m

What was the daily average amount of food and raw materials flown to Berlin through Operate Vittles?

2000 tons

How long did the blockade last for?

318 days

What did General Clay suggest as a response to the blockade?

An armed convoy into Berlin

What was Operation Vittles?

British and US planes flying to Berlin on three flight paths carrying food and raw materials to West Berliners

Give two reasons why the Berlin Blockade was significant

Embarrassing to the USSR as it failed to prevent the unification of the western zones, proved Western commitment to Berlin

Why was the USA committed to Berlin despite the blockade?

Leaving Berlin would have threatened the democratic future of Germany

How did the USA respond to the Blockade?

Operation Vittles

What three things were cut off by Stalin in the blockade?

Roads, rail, electricity

Why was Stalin forced to end the blockade?

The success of Operation Vittles

What was Stalin's motivation for the Berlin Blockade?

Wanted to test USA's commitment to Berlin to attempt full Soviet control