On 29 July 1949, the Soviet Union terminated its blockade of West Berlin, a significant move that concluded one of the first major crises of the Cold War.
The blockade, initiated on 24 June 1948, had effectively cut off all land and water routes to the western sectors of Berlin, which were controlled by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
In response, the Western Allies launched the Berlin Airlift, an ambitious operation that saw thousands of planes delivering vital supplies to the beleaguered city.
The successful airlift demonstrated the resolve and logistical capabilities of the Western powers, eventually leading to the Soviet Union lifting the blockade.
This event marked a turning point in the post-war power struggle, solidifying the division of Berlin and setting the stage for the broader geopolitical standoff that would define the Cold War era.
