Berlin Airlift

Definition

The Berlin Airlift refers to the operation carried out by the United States and its allies to provide food, fuel, and other supplies to West Berlin during a Soviet blockade from 1948 to 1949. Instead of using traditional land or water routes, supplies were flown in by planes.

Related terms

Soviet Blockade: When the Soviet Union closed all land routes into West Berlin in an attempt to gain control over the city.

West Berlin: The part of Berlin that was occupied by American, British, and French forces after World War II. It was located within East Germany but not under Soviet control.

Cold War: The period of political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II characterized by competition for global influence without direct military conflict.