The Berlin Airlift: Saving a City from Starvation

In the summer of 1948, the Soviet Union blockaded all land and water routes into West Berlin, hoping to strangle the city into submission. With over two million civilians facing starvation and freezing temperatures, the Western Allies launched an unprecedented humanitarian effort: the Berlin Airlift. For nearly a year, American and British pilots flew around the clock, landing every few minutes at Tempelhof and Gatow airports, delivering coal, food, and medicine. This episode unpacks the logistics of the 'candy bombers,' the political brinkmanship that nearly triggered World War III, and the everyday Berliners who survived on rations of dried potatoes and powdered milk. We explore the role of US General Lucius D. Clay, the Soviet blockade's unexpected failure, and how the airlift cemented West Berlin's identity as an island of freedom in the Cold War. From the Rosinenbomber dropping sweets to children to the construction of Tegel Airport in just 90 days, this is the story of a city that refused to surrender. #BerlinAirlift #ColdWar #LuciusClay #Tempelhof #Gatow #Rosinenbomber #CandyBombers #Blockade #WestBerlin #Stalin #Truman #ErnstReuter #TegelAirport #OperationVittles #1948 #HumanitarianAid #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo