When was the division of Berlin decided?

Answer 1

The division of Germany and of Berlin was originally meant to be temporary. In 1947, Western leaders began planning for the creation of an independent democratic German nation. They also planned to establish a democratic government in West Berlin, which was deep inside the Soviet zone.

In June 1948, the Soviets blocked off all land, rail, and water routes into West Berlin. As a result, Berlin's 2 million residents were cut off from receiving vital supplies. The Soviets hoped this blockade would force the West to leave Berlin.

Western leaders then organized the Berlin airlift, a massive effort to supply West Berlin by air. This turned out to be a success, and the Soviets called off the blockade of Berlin in May 1949.

Within days of the end of this crisis, the Federal Republic of Germany, commonly called West Germany was formed. A few months later, the Soviet controlled area became the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany.