Discuss the impact of the Berlin Airlift on US-Soviet relations.

The Berlin Airlift significantly heightened tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, marking the start of the Cold War.

The Berlin Airlift, which took place from June 1948 to May 1949, was a pivotal event in the early stages of the Cold War. It was a direct response to the Soviet Union's blockade of West Berlin, which was an attempt to gain full control over the city. The US, along with Britain and France, responded by airlifting supplies to the beleaguered city, a move that was seen as a clear defiance of Soviet authority.

The airlift had a profound impact on US-Soviet relations. It not only heightened tensions but also set the tone for the adversarial relationship that would characterise the Cold War. The US's decision to airlift supplies into West Berlin was seen by the Soviet Union as a direct challenge to its authority and a clear sign of the US's intent to resist Soviet expansionism. This led to a hardening of attitudes on both sides, with each viewing the other as a significant threat to their respective ideologies and global ambitions.

Moreover, the Berlin Airlift marked a shift in the US's foreign policy. Prior to the airlift, the US had been relatively passive in its approach to the Soviet Union, preferring diplomacy over direct confrontation. However, the airlift marked a clear departure from this policy, with the US taking a more active role in countering Soviet aggression. This shift was reflected in the implementation of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, both of which were aimed at containing the spread of communism.

The Soviet Union, for its part, viewed the airlift as a provocative act of aggression. It reinforced their perception of the US as an imperialist power intent on undermining Soviet influence in Europe. This led to a further escalation of tensions and a deepening of the ideological divide between the two superpowers.

In conclusion, the Berlin Airlift had a significant impact on US-Soviet relations. It heightened tensions, marked the start of the Cold War, and led to a shift in the US's foreign policy. It also reinforced the ideological divide between the two superpowers, setting the stage for the adversarial relationship that would characterise the Cold War.