Why was the Berlin Airlift important to the US?

Answer 1

The Berlin Airlift occurred after World War 2. When Germany surrendered, the four major countries of the Allies were placed in charge as occupation forces. The four countries were USA, Britain, France and Russia. The country was divided up into sectors and placed under the control of each country and the capitol city of Berlin was also divided. Later, Russia began to isolate the territories under their rule, including other border countries. This divided Germany and eventually Russia erected a wall that was known as the "Iron Curtain" along the border.

Since the city of Berlin was within the region occupied by Russia, the sectors of the city that was under the rule of US, Britain and France were cut off from the other regions of Germany to the west, which still had some freedom. The Soviet Prime Minister wanted to exert complete control, so he closed the only road that connected the part of Berlin that was free from the remaining West Germany. The US and the other allies didn't want Russia to take complete control over Berlin, so they sent food and supplies into Berlin by air---thus the Berlin Airlift.

Eventually, Russia gave in and re-opened the road.

Answer 2

Stalin made the Berlin blockade (closing the land route into the city) his open, provocative, and threatening repudiation of all the Allied agreements made during WWII.

Like Hitler's moves prewar into the Ruhr, Czechoslovakia, and Austria, it was a challenge: I don't care what you think, or what may have been, I'll do what I want. What are you going to do?

Answer 3

The Soviet Union wanted to exert complete control of West Berlin so all rail, road an water links to the Allied sectors of Berlin were closed. The UK and US did not want to lose control so they sent food and supplies into Berlin by air.

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Answer 4

When the World War 2 had ended, Germany was under the control of US and Soviet. East was controlled by the Soviets and West came under the control of America. Berlin was divided into two and the soviets had access to the railway system without which the access was impossible.

The US and allies were left without choice but the airlift. They had every chance to force their way to the city but it would lead to a full blown conflict between the US and Soviet Union. But the US had no intentions to allow Stalin to gain control over the entire city. Thereefore the US had decided that airlifting food supplies was the only choice to go. The Soviets derided the plan and said it was doomed to fail.

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Answer 5

It was important because the US rightfully owned one fourth of Berlin, Germany. This and the spliting of Germany into three parts (Soviet Union, United States and Great Britian) was established at the Potsdam Confrence on July 17th to August 2, 1945. We could not let the people in West Berlin just starve, which most likely would have happened if we had not flew food into Berlin, so William Tunner and FDR came up with this idea to fly the supplies into Berlin.

Answer 6

The Berlin Airlift was considered a symbol of the Cold War because it showed the fight and isolationism between the Soviet Union and US.

Answer 7

The Soviet Union blockaded all entry ways into Berlin, so the United States dropped supplies into the city via airplane.

Answer 8

to fly food and supplies into the city for 11 months

Answer 9

America's determination to stand by Berlin.