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.