What action did Stalin take on 24 June 1948 during the Berlin Crisis?

• A. He cut off all road, rail, and canal traffic to Berlin
• B. He invaded West Berlin
• C. He opened borders to the West
• D. He launched a guerrilla campaign in Berlin

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is the Berlin Blockade. On 24 June 1948, Stalin cut off all road, rail, and canal traffic into West Berlin, attempting to pressure the Western Allies to abandon the city or withdraw from their sectors. This move aimed to force concessions by starving West Berlin of supplies and elevating Soviet control over the whole city.

In response, the Allies organized the Berlin Airlift, delivering food, fuel, and other essentials by air for almost a year. The blockade failed to achieve its aims and helped cement the division of Berlin and the emerging Cold War standoff between the Soviet Union and the Western powers.