Conflict over Germany: developments within the sectors, including Bizonia and currency reform; the Berlin blockade; the creation of East and West Germany; formation of NATO
After World War Two, the USA, USSR, Britain and France each controlled a zone of Germany. Disagreements over Germany's future split the country in two and pushed the superpowers to the edge of open conflict.
Real World
When the USSR blockaded West Berlin in June 1948, the Western Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift — flying in over 200,000 flights' worth of food and coal, turning a Soviet pressure tactic into a propaganda defeat for Stalin.
Exam Focus
For questions on the Berlin Blockade, always explain Stalin's motive (halting currency reform) before describing the Allied response — causation earns the most marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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