1. Read Source 32. What reasons did the Soviet Union give for cutting off West Berlin?
The Soviet Union said that they suspended air traffic into Berlin because of alleged technical difficulties. And for the disrupt electrical power from Soviet power plants, they said it was due to a shortage of coal. And barge traffic also stopped trains, cars, etc. from entering W. Berlin.
2. Why do you think the USA did not believe these were genuine reasons?
The US knew that the Soviets did not like their presence their and all they want to do with Germany is influence their views of communism onto it. The US also knew that the Soviets feared a recovering Germany and that of they do, they might try to invade USSR again.
3. How do Sources 33-35 differ in their interpretation of the blockade?
Source 33 says that the attack on the US air base in Berlin didn't achieve anything on either side; USSr had not gained control of Berlin with this attack and the West has no guarantees that land communications would be cut again. Source 34 is suggesting that all the fault goes to the USSR and that the US was forced to yield due to the Soviets. On the other hand, in Source 35 President Truman is saying the US will continue to fight against communism and that the blockade was just a test of their ability and their will to resist, which completely contradicts what the previous sources were suggesting.
4. Which do you think is the most useful source for a historian studying the Berlin Blockade?
I think that the most useful source to use, when studying the Berlin Blockade, an outside neutral source when it is not biased towards one side. A source from England or another powerful neutral will be the most useful since they are not on any side and only think and do what's best and since they are not as biased as maybe a source from either a Soviet or US politician/historian, it will be that more accurate in ensuring truthful information.
5. Which source do you think gives the most reliable view of the blockade?
I think that Source 33 is the most reliable because it is not favoring one side over the over. In Source 33, it is saying how neither side gained any advantage with the attack on a US air base. An unbiased neutral source is more effective in receiving the most reliable view on the blockade.
No comments:
Post a Comment