Berlin Blockade Teacher Resources
Considered the first aggressive move in the tactical war that lasted nearly half a century, the Berlin Blockade of 1948-1949 prevented Allied forced from accessing their holdings—and their citizens—in West Berlin. It resulted in global movements to organize the Berlin Airlift, examinations of political and ideological differences in Europe, and increased hostilities between Soviet and Allied forces.
Assign a reading activity to provide context for the Cold War, or a lesson that focuses on the roots of the strife. A PowerPoint presentation hosts information about the Berlin Airlift, including primary source photographs and quotes.
For Joseph Stalin and Harry Truman, the Berlin Blockade represented a chess match with dire stakes for each of their countries. Explore the leaders’ perspectives with a world history project, or use a decision game to analyze the Berlin crisis and its place at the beginning of the Cold War.
No matter how you teach or what you use, Lesson Planet has what you need to create a high-quality, multi-faceted social studies curriculum.
Showing 28 resources
Teach It History
Crisis in Berlin: Decisions Game!
The Cold War did not begin with a bang, but with a swift tactic that reflected the Soviet Union's growing distrust of its former Allies. High schoolers choose either the USA or the USSR in a role play activity as they analyze why each...
Mrs. Robbins' Social Studies Site
The Berlin Blockade
The Berlin Blockade may not take up as much space in the history books as other events of the Cold War, but for the citizens of west Berlin in 1948—and the events to follow between the Soviet Union and the United Stattes—those 318 days...
Curated OER
Berlin Wall Lesson Plans
Berlin Wall lesson plans can teach students how this barrier divided a country and why it gained so much international attention.
Curated OER
1948 - Berlin Airlift
Young scholars examine a document from the Berlin Airlift in order to research his important event in World History.
Curated OER
Harry S. Truman - Campaign of 1948
Students establish the major events leading up to the election in 1948. In this U.S. History lesson plan, students research details about Harry S. Truman, then they participate in a class discussion about him so that they are ready...
Curated OER
Imperialism Old and New
If your really want your history class to know everything about old and new imperialism, look no further. This 58-slide presentation depicts, describes, and explains everything from 19th Century expansion and the Congress of Berlin to...
Curated OER
The Early Cold War: 1947-1970
With a combination of images, maps, and valuable information, this presentation is a strong resource for a history class that is coming out of a WWII unit and into a Cold War unit. Some points are outlined for students, while others are...
Curated OER
Imperialism: Beginnings and Basic Structure
A great presentation awaits young historians as they delve into the causes, types, and motives for British Imperialism. Each slide provides clear information regarding new imperialism occurring from 1875-1948. Justifications for...
Smithsonian Institution
Cold War
The Cold War was not necessarily always cold in temperature, but the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union sure was frigid! Scholars read various passages, view exhibition graphics, and observe an artifact from the...
Curated OER
Eisenhower's Foreign Policy
Good for setting the context for 20th century foreign policy issues, these slides describe key points in Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe. US or World History classes will appreciate the concise list on each...
Curated OER
The Cuban Missile Crisis
Students explore facets of the Cold War. In this Cold War history lesson, students research a Cold War event in order to write a news story about the events that features direct quotations and images.
Curated OER
Cold War
In this online interactive world history worksheet, students answer 21 matching questions regarding the Cold War. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Filmstrip Worksheet: After World War II
In this World War II filmstrip activity, students review a film about the war as they respond to 15 fill in the blank questions. A word bank is included.
Curated OER
Illingworth Cartoons: The Cold War
In this political cartoon analysis worksheet, students examine a political cartoon from the Cold War era and respond to 5 short answer questions about it.
Curated OER
Famous Olympians
Students study about famous Olympic athletes. They are introduced to a few that have earned gold medals to encourage interest. Students read to find out more about them to become with more equally famous Olympic Games stars.
Curated OER
Harry Truman: A New View
Pupils explore how Harry Truman became President and in what ways was Truman an atypical President. They examined World War I changed Truman's life and what opportunities World War I gave certain people and how World War II affected...
Curated OER
The Marshall Plan And The Reconstruction Of Europe
Third graders investigate various aspects that are associated with the history of Maryland. They look at the establishment of America as becoming a superpower. They conduct research using the text provided. The students gather the...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
The Berlin Airlift: June 27, 1948 to May 12, 1949
This site offers an abundance of information about the Berlin Airlift. Along with general information, the site includes vocabulary related to the Berlin Airlift, and follow questions about the information presented.
US National Archives
British Government Public Information Films: Berlin Airlift
The Western powers airlift of supplies to Berlin during the Soviet Blockade of Berlin. Operation Plain Fare . The Berlin blockade. Post Second World War. Germany. Soviet Iron Curtain.. Deutschmark. 24 June 1948. airbridge ....
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College: East German Communists and Origins of Berlin Blockade
Provides the well-documented text of the article "The East German Communists and the Origins of the Berlin Blockade Crisis" by Charles F. Pennacchio.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Start of Cold War, Part 3: Berlin Airlift and Creation of Nato
Discusses the Berlin airlift, NATO, and the National Security Act.
The Guardian
Guardian: Russians Cut Vital Supplies
This article discusses the beginning of the Berlin Blockade. (June 25, 1948)
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Cold War Events (1948 1955)
This article contains a summary and definition of the main Cold War events from 1948 - 1955.
Other
Reading Through History: History Brief: The Berlin Airlift
This video gives a brief description of the Berlin Airlift, which followed the Soviet blocking of roads into West Berlin in 1948. The Allies flew in more than 2 million tons of supplies over the course of 15 months, forcing Joseph Stalin...
