Berlin Airlift (1948–49): True—US & UK Flew In Supplies After Soviet Blockade

TRUE.

When the **Soviet Union blockaded all land/rail/canal routes to West Berlin** (June 24, 1948 – May 12, 1949), the **United States and United Kingdom** (joined by France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) responded with **Operation Vittles / Operation Plainfare**—the **Berlin Airlift**.

Key Facts

• Duration: 324 days (11 months).
• Flights: 278,228 sorties (US: 189,963; UK: 88,265).
• Tonage Delivered: **2.3 million tons** (food, coal, fuel, medicine, raw materials).
• Peak Daily: 12,941 tons (April 16, 1949)—one plane landing every 30 seconds at Tempelhof, Gatow, Tegel.
• Casualties: 101 fatalities (mostly crashes).
• Outcome: Soviets lifted blockade (May 12, 1949). West Berlin survived. NATO formed 1949. Two German states founded 1949.

Significance

First major Cold War confrontation. **Demonstrated Western resolve and logistical capacity without kinetic war.** Cemented US-German alliance. "The Cold War's first victory."