- After World War II, Germany was divided into four zones of occupation, with Berlin, the capital, also being divided into four sectors. The western sectors were occupied by the United States, Britain, and France, while the eastern sector was occupied by the Soviet Union.
- In June 1948, the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on all surface routes into West Berlin in an attempt to force the western powers to give up their control of the city. The blockade cut off all supplies of food, fuel, and other necessities to the 2.5 million people living in West Berlin.
- In response to the blockade, the United States, Britain, and France launched the Berlin Airlift, using military transport aircraft to fly in supplies to the city. The airlift continued for 11 months and flew in over 2.3 million tons of supplies, including food, medicine, and coal.
- The Berlin Airlift was a success and prevented the Soviet Union from achieving its goal of taking over West Berlin. The airlift demonstrated the determination of the western powers to protect their interests in Germany and helped to keep Berlin free.
