Which event demonstrated Western Allies' willingness to supply Berlin by air rather than accept a blockade?

• A. Berlin Blockade
• B. Berlin Blockade/Airlift
• C. Berlin Corridor Crisis
• D. Berlin Rescue Mission

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how a show of airpower can sustain a city under pressure without giving in to a blockade. When the Soviets shut off land routes to West Berlin in 1948, the Western Allies chose to keep the city supplied by air, flying in food, coal, and fuel around the clock. This Berlin Airlift required massive coordination across air corridors and multiple airfields, and it continued for about a year. By demonstrating that Berlin could be kept alive and functioning from the air, the Allies rejected the idea that a blockade would force concession and instead upheld a commitment to load-bearing, non-military support in a tense Cold War standoff. The success of the airlift strengthened the resolve of the Western powers, reinforced the policy of containment, and helped push forward greater Western cooperation, including the move toward formal alliances like NATO.