Cold+War+LF

== =__The Early Cold War Years__=

__**The Berlin Airlift**__ The Berlin Airlift was between Germany and the Soviet Union. The Soviets wanted Germany to pay for the reparations, from the war, to the Soviet Union. Eventually Germany and The Soviet Union went to war to solve the problem. United States, Great Britain, and France announced that they were merging their zones in Germany and allowing the Germans to have their own government. They agreed to merge their zones in Berlin and to make West Berlin part of the new German republic. In late June 1948, Soviet Troops cut all road and rail traffic to West Berlin hoping to force the U.S. to either reconsider its decision or abandon West Berlin. Pres. Truman sent bombers with atomic weapons to bases in Britain. Instead of ordering troops to fight their way to Berlin, and triggering war with the Soviet Union, Truman ordered the air force to fly supplies into Berlin instead. The Berlin Airlift began in June 1948 and continued through the spring of 1949, bringing in more that 2 million tons of supplies to the city. the airlift symbolized American determination to contain communism and not give in to Soviet demands.

__**The Korean War**__ At the end of World War 2, American and Soviet forces entered Korea to disarm the Japanese troops stationed there. Korea was divided at the 38th parallel of latitude. Soviets controlled the north, while Americans controlled the south. Both governments claimed authority over Korea, and border clashes were common. The Soviet Union provided military aid to the North Koreans, who quickly built up an army. June 25, 1950, North Korean Troops invaded the south. Pres. Truman ordered the U.S. naval and air power into action. Troops from Japan were ordered to go to Korea. On Sept. 15, 1950 MacArthur ordered a daring invasion behind enemy lines at the port of Inchon. the Inchon landing took the North Koreans by surprise. Within weeks they were to retreat back across the 38th parallel, while Truman gave orders to pursue beyond the 38th parallel. Truman favored limited war. This concern shaped American foreign policy throughout the Cold War.