Germany after WWII

(or "How not to repeat the mistakes of WWI")

Division of Germany

• After WWII, the Allies had to decide how to handle Germany
• The USSR wanted it to be communist
• The other Allies (U.S., France, Great Britain) wanted it to be a democracy
• They divided it into four occupation zones

Division of Germany

• Since Berlin was the capital, it was divided the same way as the rest of Germany
• This meant that West Berlin was a tiny island of democracy in a sea of communism

Blue = democracy
Red = communist

Berlin Airlift

• Obviously the situation in Berlin would lead to problems
• Learn about the events surrounding the Berlin Airlift with your group by reading the packet (handed out in class or available through the website) and examining the maps and photos included.

The Berlin Wall

• Berlin's situation after the airlift had not improved, and with the official division of Germany, it was potentially even worse.
• Learn about the events surrounding the installation of the Berlin Wall by watching this video.