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GCSEHistoryEdexcelPeriod Study (Paper 2, Booklet P)Revision NotesSuperpower Relations & the Cold War, 1941–91The Development of the Cold War, 1947-1955The Berlin Blockade, June 1948

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The Berlin Blockade, June 1948 (Edexcel GCSE History) : Revision Note

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

The Berlin Blockade, June 1948 - Summary

Economic differences between the Capitalist West and the Communist East prompted the countries of the USA, Britain and France to join their zones together to create Trizonia. Stalin and the Soviet Union saw this as the West’s attempts to weaken the Soviet zone in Germany. This was made worse by the creation of a new currency called the Deutschmark, which all but split Germany in two.

In June 1948, the Soviet Union shut off the land routes in Soviet-controlled Germany, preventing Trizonia from accessing their zone in Berlin. Without supplies from Trizonia, people in West Berlin would run out of food and important resources.

If Trizonia attempted to access West Berlin by land, this would be seen as an act of war by the Soviet Union, which had the Red Army on standby. 

If Trizonia did nothing, West Berlin would be forced to accept help from the Soviet Union, placing them under communist control.

Why Did the Soviet Union Begin the Berlin Blockade?

  • As with Germany, Berlin was split into two parts in March 1948:

    • The USA, Britain and France occupied the western zone

    • The Soviet Union occupied the eastern zone

The development of the division of Germany, 1945-1948

Three maps of post-Second World War Germany: 1945 with four zones by Allies, 1947 with a merged Bizonia, and 1948 with Trizonia. Berlin is highlighted in all maps in the eastern zone of Germany
Maps showing the creation of 'Bizonia' and 'Trizonia'

  • After Trizonia introduced the Deutschmark in June 1948, Stalin wanted to demonstrate that Germany should not be divided

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Students get confused between Bizonia and Trizonia. Bizonia combined Britain's and the USA’s territory in Germany. Trizonia is when France combined their territory with Bizonia in 1948

Causes of the Berlin Blockade

A timeline chart showing events leading to the Berlin Blockade. It begins with 'Bizonia' in January 1947, where the USA and Britain combine their zones in Germany. In March 1947, the 'Truman Doctrine' introduces tension between the capitalist West and communist East. In April 1947, the 'Marshall Plan' provides West Germany with $1.5 million in aid. In March 1948, France joins to form 'Trizonia.' In June 1948, the new 'Deutschmark' currency is introduced, clearly dividing Germany. The timeline ends with the 'Berlin Blockade' in June 1948, where the Soviet Union blocks land routes into Berlin.
A timeline showing the events that led up to the Berlin Blockade

  • The Soviet Union decided that preventing Western access to Berlin would be the most effective way of gaining control of Germany

Why did the Soviet Union choose to blockade Berlin?

Diagram showing causes of the Berlin Blockade. Three reasons are listed: 1) West Berlin relied on food from East Germany, 2) Allies had to travel through Soviet territory to reach West Berlin, and 3) The Soviet Union had 1.5 million soldiers in Germany. Each reason is followed by an explanation of how it gave the Soviet Union control over access to West Berlin. These led to the Soviet decision to block all land routes into West Berlin.
A diagram showing the reasons why blockading Berlin was the most effective way that Stalin could gain control of Berlin

How did the Soviet Union Blockade Berlin?

  • Berlin was deep inside the Soviet-occupied zone

  • Members of Trizonia had to use the two agreed land routes and two air routes to access their western zone in Berlin

  • In June 1948, the Soviet Union closed road, rail and canal links across Soviet-controlled Germany 

  • Without access to West Berlin, the USA, Britain and France would not be able to send supplies:

    • West Berlin only had enough food for 36 days

    • West Berlin lacked important resources like fuel and medicine

  • Stalin hoped that the Western powers would give up their control of West Berlin, which would allow the Soviet Union to control the whole capital

    • It would also allow him to spread propaganda about the triumph of communism over capitalism

How did the West React to the Blockade?

  • The USA, Britain and France were in a very difficult position after the announcement of the blockade in June 1948

  • Control of West Berlin was important, but they had to balance the risk of going to war

How could the West respond to the Berlin Blockade?

A three-column decision chart titled “Option One: Withdraw from Berlin,” “Option Two: Supply Berlin by Land,” and “Option Three: Supply Berlin by Air.” Each option is followed by a set of colour-coded outcomes. Green boxes represent positive outcomes, and red boxes represent negative outcomes. Under Option One, the positive outcome is “Prevent war with the Soviet Union.” The negative outcomes are “Lose control of the capital of Germany” and “Policy of containment will have failed.” Under Option Two, the positive outcome is “Could provide West Berlin with supplies.” The negative outcomes are “Would make the West the aggressors” and “Would almost certainly lead the war.” Under Option Three, the positive outcomes are “Could provide West Berlin with supplies,” “Would not be entering by land,” and “The Soviet Union would be the aggressors if they shot any planes down.” The negative outcome is “Could lead to war if the Soviet Union shot any planes down.” A key at the bottom shows green for “positive outcomes” and red for “negative outcomes.
An illustration showing the options that the West could take to resolve the Berlin Blockade

  • Truman was not prepared to abandon the policy of Containment, especially so soon after his announcement of the Truman Doctrine

  • It was decided that supplies flown into West Berlin would be the most effective way to prevent West Berlin from falling into the hands of the Soviet Union and ensure that war between the two 'Superpowers' was prevented

  • What followed was the Berlin Airlift

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Zoe Wade

    Author: Zoe Wade

    Expertise: History Content Creator

    Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

    Bridgette Barrett

    Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.