Cold War Conflict

Ohio History

Berlin Checkpoint

The Cold War conflict was expressed in a number of ways around the world. One of the first major face-offs was in Berlin, Germany soon after the post-World War II partitioning. As Britain, France, and the US prepared their sections of Berlin for a democratic self-government, the Soviet Union resisted. It cut off all ground travel to and from the city in June 1948. Unwilling to risk starting another war, the western powers began a 464-day airlift to supply West Berlin with fuel, food, and supplies. The Soviets finally lifted the blockade in May 1949, although the Berlin Airlift did continue until September. More about that in my next post.

Satellites & Missiles

The arms race was another facet of the Cold War conflict. The Air Force Museum displayed a number of satellites and missiles from the Cold War era. Fear and suspicion played just as big a part in the arms race as actual threats. Satellites for space reconnaissance were developed to scope out the armaments of the other side, especially missile development. They could not be shot down over enemy territory like planes, although much more powerful cameras were required.