On May 12, 1949, the Soviet Union ended its 11-month-long blockade of Berlin. The blockade had begun on June 24, 1948, amid a currency dispute with the Western Allies. Moscow cut off road, rail, and water access to Berlin's Western sector. Food and electricity would soon run out. The solution? The Allies set in motion a massive undertaking that would become known as the Berlin Airlift. *** For more explainers, graphics and videos, visit: or follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram Telegram We report the news in 22 countries without a free press. Our journalists are a unique source of information from the front lines.
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