1948day.year
The Deutsche Mark is introduced in Western Allied-occupied Germany. The Soviet Military Administration in Germany responded by imposing the Berlin Blockade four days later.
On June 20, 1948, the Deutsche Mark was introduced in Western Germany, prompting the Soviet Union to begin the Berlin Blockade days later.
After WWII, Germany was divided among the Allied powers, each issuing its own currency.
On June 20, 1948, the Western Allies launched the Deutsche Mark in their occupation zones to stabilize the economy and curb inflation.
The reform aimed to rebuild West Germany’s economy but alarmed the Soviet administration in East Germany.
Four days later, the Soviets imposed the Berlin Blockade, cutting land access to West Berlin.
In response, the Western Allies organized the Berlin Airlift to supply the city by air.
The standoff became an early Cold War flashpoint, symbolizing the division of Europe.
The Deutsche Mark would go on to become a symbol of West German prosperity and political alignment with the West.
1948
Deutsche Mark
Allied-occupied Germany
Soviet Military Administration in Germany
Berlin Blockade