The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War
Synopsis
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, this documentary looks back on an uneasy time in world history. This first "battle" of the cold war started with the Soviet blockade of Berlin, a move to force the Western Allied powers to abandon their post World War II control of West Berlin. The Soviet blockade included all rail, road and water communications. On June 26, 1948, the United States and Britain began a year-long effort, documented here, to supply West Berlin by air. By July, the Soviet army had increased into 40 divisions - against eight for the West. The blockade ended on May 12, 1949. This is the story of the blockade, told by those involved. They describe the enormous logistical effort to transport some 2.3 million tons of food, fuel and equipment -- a battle the Western powers won. And when it was over, the former Allies formed NATO, the Soviets created the Warsaw Pact, and the Cold War grew even colder.
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Kirk
- Original Title
- The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- History
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Kirk
Department Leadership Roster
Robert Kirk
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War about?
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, this documentary looks back on an uneasy time in world history. This first "battle" of the cold war started with the Soviet blockade of Berlin, a move to force the Western Allied powers to abandon their post World War II control of West Berlin. The Soviet blockade included all rail, road and water communications. On June 26, 1948, the United States and Britain began a year-long effort, documented here, to supply West Berlin by air. By July, the Soviet army had increased into 40 divisions - against eight for the West. The blockade ended on May 12, 1949. This is the story of the blockade, told by those involved. They describe the enormous logistical effort to transport some 2.3 million tons of food, fuel and equipment -- a battle the Western powers won. And when it was over, the former Allies formed NATO, the Soviets created the Warsaw Pact, and the Cold War grew even colder.
Who directed The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War?
The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War was directed by Robert Kirk.
Who stars in The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War?
The principal cast of The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War includes Bill Ratner.
When was The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War released and how long is it?
The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.