Division of Germany after WWII into four occupation zones as per the Potsdam agreement.
Berlin was also divided into four occupation zones.
The allies and the Soviets failed to agree on plans for the reconstruction of Germany.
The Berlin Blockade/airlift of 1948-49.
This was an attempt by Stalin to oust the Western powers from Berlin.
Introduction of a new Western Currency.
Impact of the Marshall Plan.
Western emigration weakened the viability of the GDR.
Berlin was a loophole that allowed people to migrate to the West.
Khrushchev ordered the construction of the wall that started 13th August 1961.
By 1958, 3 million East Germans had moved (1/6th population)
1958 Khrushchev makes his Berlin ultimatum - wants Berlin to be demilitarised and become a free city or he would give East Germany control of all routes into Berlin.
Khrushchev thinks he can take advantage of Kennedy's inexperience and renews the Berlin Ultimatum.
JFK increases army funding by $2 billion.
Stopped the tension over Berlin adn German reunification. Khrushchev no longer demanded the rest of Berlin - less likely to lead to war.
JFK became a hero to the Western World with his speech in 1963 showing he was on the side of free Germans.
Refugees could no longer cross between the countries.
