igcse history first year student - the berlin blockade.pptx

igcse first year history for berlin blockade

1. Class Outline Knowledge session Writing session 1

2. What Will You Be Test On Paper 1? Question a: briefly describe an event/person/their actions/an organization/feature of government, etc. (Fact) Ex: Describe the Berlin Blockade. Question b: explain causes/reasons/factors/effects or an event / action, etc. (Explanation; causal analysis) Ex: Why did the blockade of Berlin fail? Question c: much present evidence for both sides of the discussion before reaching a conclusion which answers the statement / question. (Argument) Ex: The Berlin Blockade was the most significant event in increasing Cold War tensions between 1945 and 1949.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer." 2

3. Tips on Note-taking of an Event Key Date Key Name (Place) Ket character & Group Key Idea & Concept Data & Statistics 3

4. The Berlin Blockade: causes and consequences 4

5. CONTENT The problem of Germany Stalin Blockades Berlin The Berlin Airlift Consequences of The Berlin Blockade NATO And The Warsaw Pact 5

6. Lead-in USA & USSR distrust each other. Increase stock of weapon. Propaganda war happened. Denouncing each other at every opportunity. Truman and Stalin were anxious to show each other and their people that they wouldn’t be pushed around. Threatening talk, never actually fire on one another. 1948, they seem like to fire, clash cam over Germany. 6

7. The Problem of Germany 7

8. Germany During Cold War 8

9. The Importance of Germany in the Early Cold War Key Factor Specific Manifestation Geographical Location The front line of East-West confrontation; the Berlin issue became a Cold War focal point. Political Symbolism Capitalism vs. Communism; Germany was divided into West Germany and East Germany. Economic Value West Germany became the center of Europe's recovery, while East Germany's economy was controlled by the Soviet Union. Military Strategy NATO and the Warsaw Pact faced off; events like the Berlin Crisis and the Berlin Wall intensified conflicts. 9

10. The Problem of Germany After WWII, Germany was divided into 4 zones. US initial plan: Remove all Germane industry, make it agricultural country to prevent that Germany to wage another modern war. However, as Truman grew concerned about USSR, they decided a strong Germany might be useful ally. Also, if German industry is not allowed, millions of Germans would starve. In 1946, Britain, France, and the USA combined their zone. In 1949, known as west Germany. 10

11. Divided Germany 11

12. Brief Summary of The Problem of Germany Importance of Germany location. Geographical Location Political Symbolism Economic Value Military strategy Why was Germany divided into 4 zones by western powers and USSR? Western Power vs. USSR. Why did Western Powers want to help Germany? What were their goals? What did Western Powers do? What did USSR want to? 12

13. Stalin Blockades Berlin 13

14. Berlin Location Strategic Importance of Berlin Berlin, the capital of Germany and the center of the Nazi regime, was of interest to all four powers. They wanted direct involvement in its management to prevent the resurgence of Nazi forces. As a major European political, economic, and cultural center, each country aimed to secure a favorable position in the future reconstruction and control of Germany. 14

15. Stalin Blockades Berlin Stalin felt had to show Western Leaders that he would fight back if they encroached on the Soviet “Sphere of influence”. Berlin was also divided into 4 zones, the city lay deep in the soviet zone, was linked to western areas by road, railways, and canals. June 1948, Stalin blocked these supply lines to stop western contact their zone of Berlins. If the USA tried to ram the block zone, it would be seen as an act of war. Stalin expected Truman to withdraw military from Berlin, which would make Soviet control. Berlin and a propaganda victory. 15

16. Brief Summary of Stalin Blockades Berlin June 1948, blockade initiated by Stalin. Stalin’s expectation was that USA withdrew from Berlin. 16

17. The Berlin Airlift 17

18. The Berlin Airlift The Americans believed that West Berlin as important test case. If gave in to Stalin, the Western zone would fall to the Communist USSR. Truman ordered aircraft to fly supplies into Berlin. Known as the Berlin Airlift. At the first, people feared that the Soviet might shoot them down. It would be seen as an undeniable act of war. Not shot fired. West Berlin received supplies, such as food and clothing to building material and oil. Eventually, Stalin lifted Blockade in May 1949. 18

19. How Does Berlin Airlift help West Germany survive in the Blockade? The Start of the Berlin Airlift Complete Blockade: West Berlin was entirely blockaded, and its population of over 2 million people faced severe shortages of food, fuel, and other essential supplies. The Airlift Decision: In response, the United States and the United Kingdom decided to supply West Berlin by air, avoiding direct military confrontation with the Soviet Union while ensuring that the city was not abandoned. Significance: This operation became known as the "Berlin Airlift" and was a pivotal event in the early stages of the Cold War. 19

20. How Does Berlin Airlift help West Germany survive in the Blockade? Airlift Operations Duration: The airlift lasted from June 24, 1948 to May 12, 1949 — approximately 11 months. Supplies Delivered: The airlift primarily delivered food, fuel, medicine, coal, and other essential goods. Scale of the Operation: At its peak, more than 1,400 flights were conducted daily, transporting around 13,000 tons of supplies. In total, approximately 277,000 flight missions were carried out, delivering over 2.3 million tons of supplies. 20

21. How Does Berlin Airlift help West Germany survive in the Blockade? Soviet Response Expectations vs. Reality: The Soviet Union initially believed that the Western Allies would be unable to sustain the supply effort and that West Berlin would eventually have to be abandoned. However, the success of the airlift undermined the Soviet blockade strategy. Lifting the Blockade: On May 12, 1949, the Soviet Union was forced to lift the blockade, marking a decisive victory for the Berlin Airlift. 21

22. Berlin Airlift Impact Escalation of Cold War Tensions: The split between the Allied powers and the Soviet Union deepened, leading to the official division of Germany in 1949 into West Germany (the Federal Republic of Germany) and East Germany (the German Democratic Republic). The perceived Soviet threat accelerated the formation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949. U.S.-Led Cold War Strategy: The airlift was a significant early victory for the United States, demonstrating its capability to contain Soviet expansion and enhancing the influence of both the U.S. and the U.K. in Western Europe. This unity among Western nations solidified their collective resistance to Soviet influence. Symbol of the Free World: Despite its location within East Germany, West Berlin remained under Western influence thanks to the airlift. It eventually became a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy during the Cold War, a status it maintained until German reunification in 1990. 22

23. Brief Summary of The Berlin Airlift Truman ordered aircrafts to support Berlin successfully. Berlin Blockade was lifted in May 1949 by Stalin. 23

24. Consequences of the Berlin Blockade 24

25. Consequences of the Berlin Blockade End of Cold War didn’t end Cold War tensions. But it has several important consequences for Cold War Relationships. A powerful symbol: Cold War Rivalry. Cold War Flashpoint. Cold War Pattern of thinking and acting. 25

26. A powerful symbol: Cold War Rivalry To USA, buffer zone in the middle of the Communist Repression. To Soviet, its’s a cancer growing in the worker’s paradise of East Germany. 26

27. Cold War Flashpoint One of the few places where US and Soviet troops faced each other direct on a daily basis. Berlin is very vulnerable if the Soviet chose to act. Deep inside the Soviet’s control. Military advantage: larger number by the Soviet. Cold War’s frontline. 27

28. Military Strength Disparity Overall Military Personnel (1950s-1980s) Year US Military Personnel Soviet Military Personnel 1950 ~ 1.5 million ~ 2.9 million 1960 ~ 2.5 million ~ 3.6 million 1970 ~ 3.1 million ~ 3.8 million 1980 ~ 2.1 million ~ 5.0 million 1990 ~ 2.0 million ~ 4.0 million 28

29. Cold War Pattern of Thinking and Acting Even mistrust existed between superpowers, but the crisis in Berlin suggested there would not be a direct war between them. 29

30. Brief Summary of Consequences of the Berlin Blockade Symbol of Cold War Military confrontation Cold War Thinking and Acting: never fire. 30

31. NATO and the Warsaw Pact 31

32. NATO （北大西洋公约组织） During the blockade, possibility of war seemed growing up. At the height of the crisis, the western powers met in Washington DC and signed an agreement to work together. The new organization, formed in 1949, was known as NATO. NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 32

33. NATO Defensive alliance, member country agreed to defense themselves from the USSR and the Eastern Europe. Cooperate over defense and security 33

34. Warsaw Pact Although the USSR was critical of NATO, Stalin took no further action, until West Germany joined NATO in 1955. The new Soviet leader Khrushchev, created the defensive alliance in 1955 called the Warsaw Pact. 34

35. Warsaw Pact & NATO 35

36. Brief Summary of NATO and the Warsaw Pact Western Powers NATO (1949) The Soviets Warsaw Pact (1955) VS 36

37. first PART END 37

38. 10 minutes break 38

39. WRITING 39

40. Paper 1 Question a 40

41. What is Paper 1? Section A: Core Content– The Twentieth Century Option A: The development of modern nation-states from 1848–1914 or   Option B: International Relations since 1919) Answer two sets of questions each set contains one of each part a, b and c questions Section B: Depth Study Options (I studied Germany, 1918-1945) The First World War, 1914–18 Germany, 1918–45 Russia, 1905–41 The United States, 1919–41 China, c.1930–c.1990 South Africa, c.1940–c.1994 Israelis and Palestinians since 1945 Answer one set of questions (each set contains one part a, b and c question) 41

42. What Is Paper 1 Question a? This question is purely knowledge-based; no analysis is at all required. Requires the candidate to briefly describe an event/person/their actions/an organization/feature of government, etc. For example, " What was the Berlin Airlift? " or " What were the terms of the Treaty of Sevres ?". 42

43. HOW TO ANSWER QUESTION A? In this question, you get 1 mark for each fact you have written. The facts should be presented in very brief statements . It should take up no more than 4-6 lines. 43

44. Don’t do Don’t analyze. You are wasting your own time if you decide to turn this simple answer into an essay. 44

45. Grading Criteria In this question, you get 1 mark for each fact you have written. 1 mark per point, total 4 points needed. What would each fact be like? Accuracy: Providing correct information about the historical topic in question. Relevance: Directly addressing the specific details asked in the question. Conciseness: Keeping answers brief and to the point, as only a few key points are required for full marks 45

46. Example Answer 46

47. Mark Schemes 47

48. Examiner’s Comments 48

49. Question 1 October/November 2021 7 The USA and USSR had different aims in Europe after 1945. (a) Describe the Berlin Blockade. 49

50. Mark scheme 1 50

51. Question 2 February/March 2023 7. From 1945, relations between the USSR and the West Steadily deteriorated. (a) Describe how the Allies reacted to the Berlin Blockade. 51

52. Mark Scheme 2 52

53. Question 3 October/November 2018 7. The lack of trust between the USSR and the USA increased from 1947. (a) What was NATO as set up in 1949? 53

54. Mark Scheme 3 54

55. question b 55

56. What is Question B? The question tests both knowledge and understanding. Marks allocation: 1 mark: Explaining a relevant point . 2 marks: Fully explaining and analyzing the point . To achieve full marks: Provide at least 4 fully explained points (2 marks each). Key tip: Avoid writing long essay-like answers ; stick to clear, concise explanations . Use separate paragraphs for each point to help the examiner follow your ideas. Focus: Ensure each point is properly explained and analyzed to secure full marks. Scoring breakdown:1 mark for partial explanation. 2 marks for fully explained and analyzed points. 56

57. Structure P: point E: evidence E: explanation 57

58. Grading Criteria Balanced analysis: Providing explanations for both sides of the argument, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each factor in relation to the central issue.  Evidence and examples: Supporting arguments with relevant historical details, specific examples, and key figures where appropriate, Clarity and structure: Presenting a well-organized answer with a logical flow, clear introduction, and a strong conclusion. 58

59. Example Answer of Question B 59

60. Mark Scheme 60

61. Examiner response 61

62. Practice The USA and USSR contributed to increased tensions in Europe after 1945. (b) Why was the Berlin Blockade lifted in May 1949? 62

63. Mark Scheme 63

64. END 64