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Berlin Blockade. Doug Jones The Cold War. Berlin Blockade. As we have learned, Germany was divided following the end of the war Additionally, Berlin, the capital was divided (East and West Berlin) The Soviets, French, British, and Americans were all in charge of the different “zones”.
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Berlin Blockade Doug Jones The Cold War
Berlin Blockade • As we have learned, Germany was divided following the end of the war • Additionally, Berlin, the capital was divided (East and West Berlin) • The Soviets, French, British, and Americans were all in charge of the different “zones”
Berlin Blockade • Berlin was deep inside the Soviet zone • In June 1948, Stalin decided to blockade West Berlin. Why? • Stalin is upset because the British, Americans, and French are ready to combine their zones and form West Germany • Why would this upset Stalin? • He doesn’t want to see a strong Germany again (WW1 and WW2). Additionally, the Soviets want to control Germany and get them a part of their communist bloc
Berlin Blockade • How had West Berlin been supplied? • Trains, trucks and waterways • Stalin shuts those down: can’t use them • Crisis begins
Group Brainstorming • In groups of four, brainstorm ALL possible solutions to this crisis. In addition, each group needs to come up with at least two advantages and disadvantages to each solution
Document Analysis • Each group member will now analyze a primary document over the four possible solutions. You will need to read the document then fill out your “Written Document Analysis Worksheet” • When all group members are finished, you will need to teach your group members about your document. Focus on type of document, intended audience, what option is covered, and specifically what the document said about that option
The Four Options • Negotiate: Send representatives to Soviet Union and try to settle dispute peacefully: “Make a deal” • Break thru Blockade: Using armed convoys, continue to use roads to get supplies to W. Berlin • Pull out of Berlin: Would the Soviets gain control of the entire city? • Airlift: Send in supplies via airplane. Can we supply a city of over 2 million people w. enough supplies?
Homework Assignment • Write a one page paper defending the option you feel is in the best interest of the United States • Explain why the option you are choosing is the best one • Need to have three different arguments which make sense and are realistic • Predict what the Soviet response will be to your option • Due tomorrow