Berlin started to represent the division between the ‘West’ and the ‘Soviet block’ during the Cold War. East Berlin and West Berlin were each claimed in turn; West Berlin was claimed despite Western Allies’ presence, now under Soviet administrative control. But why may she be able to retain her independence in West Berlin? Let us thus explore the intriguing aspects of the past.

1. Should Consider Historical Background.

Following World War II, the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, France, and other winning allies divided Germany into four occupation zones. Berlin in the Soviet zone also consisted in four sectors. Over time, tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union developed and led to the Soviet Union blockage of West Berlin 1948. This announced Berlin’s Cold War standoff’s beginning.

2. Berlin Airlift:

Reacting to the Soviet embargo, the Western Allies launched the Berlin Airlift—a massive operation delivering food, fuel, and other basic supplies to West Berlin. Aircraft loaded goods at Tempelhof Airport from June 1948 until May 1949, at last delivering about two million tons. This efficient action demonstrated the will of Western Allies to defend the freedom of West Berlin.

3. The founding of two German states

Comprising the Western occupation areas, the Federal Republic of Germany—also known as West Germany—was established in 1949. Along with East Berlin, East Germany, the German Democratic Republic, grew out of the Soviet zone Though geographically inside East Germany, West Berlin remained under Western Allies’ rule.

4. Berlin’s wall

Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall the Soviet Union constructed physically divided the city and prevented people from crossing East and West Berlin. Apart from strengthening East German government control over its citizens, this barrier aimed to stop widespread exodus of East Germans to the West. The Berlin Wall became a poignant symbol of the chasm dividing the free world from the Communist bloc.

5. Support of the Western Allies

Particularly the United States, the Western Allies showed their commitment to protect the freedom of West Berlin during the Cold War. This dedication is obviously shown by diplomatic remarks, military presence in the city, and financial support. The presence of allied troops proved their will to defend the rights of West Berliners.

6. Fall of the Berlin Wall

As the Cold War began to loosen, East Germany exploded in protests in 1989. Rising civilian pressure forced the government to announce East Germans may travel to the West without restriction. This declaration practically dismantled the Berlin Wall by representing the end of the Cold War era and therefore bringing families back together.

Close

West Berlin could stand free during the Cold War thanks to the will of the Western Allies, the successful Berlin Airlift, and the geopolitical setting of the city being divided. West Berliners’ independence after the Berlin Wall collapsed truly depended on Western Allies’ support and tenacity. This era of history reminds us of how individuals survived the Cold War.