American Experience Season 19 Episode 7 The Berlin Airlift

The Berlin Airlift episode of American Experience season 19 chronicles one of the most extraordinary humanitarian efforts in modern history. Following World War II, Berlin became a divided city, with the Soviet Union controlling the eastern sector and the Western Allies overseeing the western sector. However, in June of 1948, the Soviets blockaded all roads and railways into West Berlin, essentially cutting off the city's access to food, fuel, and other vital supplies.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the postwar situation in Berlin and the reasons behind the Soviet blockade. The program then focuses on the American and British response to the crisis, which was to launch a massive airlift operation to deliver supplies to the beleaguered city. The first flights began in June of 1948, with Allied planes flying around the clock to bring in everything from food and medicine to coal and building materials.

As the episode unfolds, viewers learn about the incredible challenges facing the airlift crews, including bad weather, mechanical failures, and the constant threat of a Soviet attack. Despite these obstacles, the airlift continued for almost a year, with American and British planes delivering over two and a half million tons of supplies to the people of West Berlin.

The program features interviews with several people who were involved in the airlift, including pilots, ground crews, and ordinary citizens who lived through the ordeal. Viewers also get a sense of the political tensions that surrounded the crisis, including the tense relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union and the difficult decisions faced by military leaders on the ground.

Overall, The Berlin Airlift episode of American Experience season 19 offers a fascinating look at one of the most remarkable episodes in postwar history. Through archival footage and personal accounts, viewers get an inside look at the courage and determination of the Allied forces who kept West Berlin alive during the darkest days of the Cold War. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this pivotal moment in world history, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.