BACKGROUND

1. THE BERLIN CRISIS BACKGROUND SKIT COMPONENTS The split between West and East Germany and the consequential Berlin Wall East Germany/Berlin=USSR control, crippled economy, thought of Germany as a spoil of war Eastern citizens attempt to cross to West East employs blockade to try to gain West US responds with airlift • After WWII, Germany was split into 4 parts and divided among the allies. • To prevent the spread of Communism/ avoid a second depression in Europe, America, France and GB combined their parts and provided economic aid to the West. • Living conditions in the East lagged behind the West and citizens tried to cross border. • USSR set up Berlin wall to cut East off from West. Those who attempted to cross were shot. • Many began to fear nuclear warfare, so when the East started a blockade, the US skirted around the issue by airlifting supplies to the West 24 hours a day. • The Berlin wall fell in 1989.

2. DEBRIEF/QUIZ QUESTIONS Debrief TLH/3 Quiz Questions Turning Points: How did America’s involvement in Berlin and West Germany affect the spread of communism in Europe? If the Allies hadn’t been stationed in the West, the USSR would have likely tried to gain that land, and eventually others; Communistic governments would be established in these conquered countries. What defense alliance was created among US, GB, France and other countries? Why did East Germany struggle economically? How did the Soviet and US relationship change after WWII? • Showed the growing tensions between the Soviets and the US, GB and France. • The Berlin Crisis greatly contributed to the cold war; it spurred a dangerous relationship between the two sides, both of which had large amounts of nuclear weapons. • The communists wanted to influence Europe, while the three allies tried to prevent communism from spreading. • NATO (North American Treaty Organization)=defense alliance