The Berlin Airlift And The Use Of Air Mobility As A Function Of US Policy
Abstract
The conclusion of World War II resulted in the deaths of over 60 million people. In Germany, in general, and Berlin, specifically, the amount of human suffering was substantial. This human suffering placed the inhabitants of Berlin in the center of a conflict with the West (United States, Great Britain, and France) and the Soviet Union. Based on the agreements of the participants, Berlin was divided into four sectors and governed jointly. Berlin itself was located some 100 miles within the Soviet zone of occupation. The eventual crisis resulted in one of the first friction points in the Cold War. The Crisis itself provided a clear and unambiguous choice between the economic and political systems of the Soviet Union and the Western democracies. Central to the success of the Berlin Airlift was the United States Air Force. Their efforts not only help end the Berlin Crisis, but also provided a blueprint for future generations to efficiently and effectively conduct humanitarian relief operations. The Crisis also clearly showed the need for the United States to develop more fully policies and further empower new governmental structures, such as the National Security Council, to deal with emerging issues and threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1037672
Entities
People
- Robert Jr D Fenton
Organizations
- Air War College