In June 1948, the Soviet Union blockaded the American, British, and French sectors of Berlin, leading to a crisis. President Truman faced three options presented by his cabinet: withdraw, stay and accept Soviet rule, or send an armed convoy, risking war. Truman chose to stay. The Berlin Airlift ensued, delivering essential supplies by air, breaking the blockade. The airlift's success bolstered the Allies, led to NATO formation, and marked the beginning of the Cold War, characterized by political influence and proxy conflicts between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
**June 1948:**
1. The setting is June 1948 in the Oval Office.
2. The cabinet gathers for a conference with President Truman.
**Berlin Blockade:**
3. Four days prior, the Soviet Union blockaded the American, British, and French occupied sectors of Berlin.
4. Berlin is located a hundred miles inside the Soviet-controlled zone of East Germany.
5. The city has only 36 days worth of food remaining and 45 days of coal.
6. Allied troops are surrounded and outnumbered 62 to 1.
**Options Presented:**
7. The cabinet presents three options:
- American forces could withdraw, signaling Western democracies' inability to counter Soviet aggression.
- They could stay in Berlin until the starving population forces them out and accept Soviet rule.
- Send an armed convoy to open the roads, potentially starting another world war.
**Truman's Decision:**
8. Truman decides to stay in Berlin.
**Currency Crisis:**
9. Berlin is an economic ruin, and German currency has very low value.
10. American cigarettes serve as a de facto currency.
11. The Allies attempt currency reform, but the Soviets sabotage it.
12. The Western Allies plan to introduce the Deutsche Mark, leading to tension with the Soviets.
**Berlin Blockade Begins:**
13. On June 23rd, Soviet troops encircle Berlin, blockading supply routes.
14. The city's power stations in the Soviet sector cut electricity.
**Airlift Considered:**
15. Truman considers the possibility of an airlift to supply Berlin.
16. American generals initially dismiss the idea, but the Royal Air Force sees potential.
**Airlift Operation Starts:**
17. The first airlift flights begin on June 26th.
18. Soviet anti-aircraft guns remain silent initially.
19. The airlift faces challenges with plane shortages and crews.
**Airlift Expansion:**
20. General William Turner is appointed to oversee the operation.
21. A tight schedule and precise flight intervals are introduced.
22. Maintenance checks are enforced, and larger capacity planes (C-54s) are used.
23. German workers are hired for unloading and runway repairs.
**Airlift Success:**
24. By August 12th, the airlift reaches its target of delivering 4,500 tons per day.
25. Gail Halvorsen's candy drops become a PR success.
26. The airlift continues despite challenging weather conditions.
**End of Berlin Blockade:**
27. On May 12th, 1949, Soviet soldiers removed roadblocks, allowing the first American supply convoy into Berlin.
28. In 15 months, the airlift delivered over 2.4 million tons of food and fuel.
29. The Berlin Airlift marked a turning point in the Cold War, leading to the formation of NATO and the division of Germany.
**Nuclear Armament:**
30. The text foreshadows the emergence of a new kind of war, where nuclear armament changes the dynamics between superpowers.
These are the key facts extracted from the text without including opinions.