The Berlin Blockage was an event from the early days of the Cold War that pitted the Soviet Union and the United States. Read the Overview below to this event get an idea of how went down.
Overview of the Berlin Airlift from the Office of the Historian, United States State Department
Also, watch this newsreel. Remember that most people in the late 1940's (particularly in Europe) got their news from a Newsreel that was played before a feature film at the movie cinema.
Newsreel: Berlin Airlift
How do the makers of this newsreel want people to think about the actions of the British and Americans in the Berlin Airlift?
This is a story about one of the pilots who sent "candy bombs" to German children during the airlift.
Berlin Airlift: Candy Bomber
This first hand account tells what it was like to be a teenager during this time in West Germany in the years following the war.
This cartoon from the British magazine Punch (date: 1948) expresses how the Allies felt about the blockade that Stalin put on West Berlin in June of 1948.
Do you think the artist supports the blockade or is against it? Why?
Post responses below in the comments
I think the artist in definitely against the blockade. Britain was with the allied powers at that time so it is fitting that the illustrator of this Britain magazine take this route. The illustrator chose to make the picture black and white which could be a sign of not liking the topic, just like one of those paintings we looked at in class (I forget the name). The illustrator also chose to make these flying birds beautiful to represent Western powers, and the soviets as a normal person with a gun, not knowing what to do which, again makes me think the illustrator is against the blockade.
ReplyDeleteThe Allies were not happy about the blockade. The artist demonstrated this by using cranes to represent the Allies dropping supplies to the people in East Berlin. Stalin is set up like he is ready to shoot but he looks confused by the cranes.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist was against blockage. The artist uses cranes to represent allies of Berlin to help people from east Berlin. The birds come from the west representing to me western powers. The man in this picture is holding a gun looking at the birds but not knowing if he wants to pull the trigger or not, Almost debating what he should do in his head. I Fell that the artist was heavy against blockage and their art represents that very much.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade. The artist shows cranes bring supplies and then there is Stalin in a chimney looking confused if he should shoot or not. The cranes symbolize good in the art so I think the artist is against the blockade.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade because it shows cranes giving supplies to Berlin (East) and because of the reaction of Stalin shows he's puzzled.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist is against the blockade. The artists helps present this by showing us how the cranes are supposed to represent the people from Berlin giving supplies to people from East Berlin. In the chimney you can see Stalin holding a gun but he looks taken back while seeing the cranes.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist was against the blockade. Britain was a part of NATO, or the allied powers, which I think makes more sense that the artist would make it in this view. The artist chose black and white which usually makes a piece of art more emotional, or it could be a signal of not liking the topic. The artist's choice of colors, what it's made for, etc. makes me think that the artist is against the blockade.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is obviously against the blockade. First because they made the "America" a Grus Crane, and a crane symbolizes, happiness, and eternal youth. Also the cranes are carrying food, and coal, aka money. Then the artist put what looks like Stalin in a chimney with a gun, going what seems like bird hunting. And you can see West Berlin in the background, it's in shambles, and looks torn up. So the artist definitely was trying to get the point that, america is the heroine while Stalin is the villain, across. Meaning They were against the blockade.
ReplyDeleteI believe they are against the blockade. The gun Stalin is holding could be a sign that he's going to "shoot down" the birds, or Americans in this case. Stalin is confused as to why they're delivering supplies to the east, and not to him.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the airlift. He has represented the Allies as cranes, an animal usually associated with happiness and good fortune, and the items they’re carrying (food, coal) are not items of malcontent. From the way Stalin is drawn. You can tell that he is confused and angry, showing that the artist wasn't just against the blockade, they thought they were doing fairly well breaking it.
ReplyDeleteThe artist was against the block aid. The artist used birds for the allies (which is mostly the american) which makes sense because at some periods of time america was known as the mama bird of all countries. Getting into others business like crossing the Berlin walls to help those people on the other side. We can see that Stalin has his gun out trying to shoot down the planes. And in the background we see some buildings collapsed and devastation.
ReplyDeleteI believe the artist is against the blockade.The crane is a symbol for happiness, justice, and balance. The cranes in the picture are trying to bring balance to the allies side, Western Berlin, by airlifting the supplies. They artist depicts Stalin ready to bring down the cranes, which goes with the symbols of cranes having a sense of justice and shows that Stalin is being unjust.
ReplyDeleteThe artist does look like they are against the blockade. The crane is a big part of this imagery. It shows happiness justice and most importantly balance. The cranes are trying to bring balance to the world. And balance amount the allied side. By bringing supplies. He doesn’t like Stalin ready, to bring down the cranes, showing that cranes symbolize justice and shows Stalin getting over ruled. And the cranes are very important, and have a lot of impact on this whole event.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade because the cartoon shows Stalin wanting to shoot the storks because they are not bring supplies to him and the allies are all against Stalin so he feels threatened by them. Also the stork represents happiness and the safe feeling the Americans are bring to their allies.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist was against the blockade because Stalin in the picture looks confused and a bit scared. He just doesn't look as if he is for the blockade. Stalin looks frightened and like he wants to shoot the birds.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade. The cranes represent the bringing of peace and joy. They are trying to bring balance but Stalin is ready to take them down. They show how Stalin feels threatened by them because he is getting over ruled.
ReplyDeleteThe artist was against the blockade. According to the cartoon it shows that the cranes are used to represent the allies dropping down supplies to people. Stalin is shown in this cartoon about to shoot the cranes, but starts getting confused. The cranes do not bring the supplies to Stalin because the cranes are against him because they are the allies. In art, animals normally symbolize peace and happiness with good fortune. This is why the cranes are carrying bags of food or coal to deliver. Cranes are a huge part of this to help bring the balance and peace.
ReplyDeleteI think this artist was against the blockade because in the cartoon/picture Joseph Stalin is standing looking very confused and frightened. These birds were bringing supplies to East Berlin and Stalin did not know whether or not to shoot the birds down, or the let them be, the cranes are bringing balance and Stalin is confused on what to do.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade because in the picture Stalin looks as if he doesn’t know what to do. He doesnt know if he should shoot the birds or not.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against it. They have represented the allies as cranes carrying supplies past Stalin, and he’s confused and looks as if he’s ready to shoot them.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the artist is against the blockade. The allies are represented by cranes, which symbolize happiness, justice and balance. These "cranes" are flying past Stalin, to provide supplies to East Berlin. Stalin is unsure what he should do. Should I let them help East Berlin or should I shoot the allies(cranes)?
ReplyDeleteThe artist is most likely against the blockade, because it shows the allies materials being carried by these elegant cranes, while Stalin is in a chimney holding a gun. The fact that the airlifts are represented by living creatures makes the acts of Stalin look more barbaric and unnecessary, as if to say that he should just let the cranes peacefully fly.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist was against blockage. The artist uses cranes to represent allies of Berlin to help people from east Berlin. The birds come from the west representing to me western powers. The man in this picture is holding a gun looking at the birds but not knowing if he wants to pull the trigger or not, Almost debating what he should do in his head. I Fell that the artist was heavy against blockage and their art represents that very much.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the artist is against the blockade, as the art shows the cranes helping Berlin. The cranes come from the west, representing America. The cranes themselves are holding supplies in their mouths while flying over Berlin, indicating that they were bringing supplies like food and coal to Berlin to help support them. Stalin is in the chimney shown holding a gun, looking confused as the Americans are resisting the blockade.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade. He’s using cranes.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against it, I say this because he is using storks/cranes which represents new life and hope. Also the birds look to be caring supplies because they are labeled food and and supplies like coal.
ReplyDeleteThe makers of the newsreel wanted to make people proud of the Berlin Aircraft and wanted to make it out as very heroic. I believe the artist is against the blockade. The cranes are seen as very innocent, just helping the people in Berlin. Yet Stalin is seen shooting them down, though they are doing nothing wrong. Also the artist is British.
ReplyDeleteI think that he is against the blockade because the cranes are symbolizing goods being delivered and the man with the gun might be trying to stop it from happening by trying to shoot them down.
ReplyDeleteMost likely against it. The picture shows how the man (Stalin) was ready to shoot or attack while the the birds (America) is flying east to supply/help Berlin.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist is against the blockade. In this picture, the cranes seem to be symbols of peace and innocence, yet Stalin looks ready to shoot them down. I believe that the artist is trying to show how the cranes- the allies-are just helping innocent people that Stalin is starving.
ReplyDeleteThe artist did not support the blockade because in the art the cranes are being use to help berlin
ReplyDeleteThe artist was against the blockade. The cranes represent an influx of imports and Stalin standing on the wall looking confused because normally he is waiting to shoot down intruders.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade . The birds wwere bringing supplies to east berlin and he didnt know whether to shoot them down or not.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist is against the blockade. This is because the artist is most likely apart of NATO because they said the picture to the British who are also in the Allie powers. The storks are probably trying to go against the blockade and represent the allies delivering supplies to the east side of Berlin . Stalin , b from his facial expression is u sure what to do so he gets out a gun showing the he is angry. Also the allies are showing that they don’t care about the blockade and will continue to send supplies to East Berlin from West Berlin .
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist is against the blockade. The cranes are bringing supplies to the people of Berlin and Stalin, in the chimney, looks taken aback and very astounded that the cranes are carrying supplies to the people.
ReplyDeleteThe artist was against the blockade because the picture shows the birds are successfully carrying supplies into Berlin. If the artist was with the blockage they would show Soviet officials enjoying the airlift failing.
ReplyDeleteThe artist was most likely against the blockade. I say this because Stalin appears to be upset that "the birds" are delivering coal and resources to other places instead of to him. So because he's upset, he intends to shoot "the birds" down.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade it's shown through the usage of the storks bringing goods to the people of Russia and the Russian man who looks like Stalin holding a gun looks very upset by the storks being there.
ReplyDeleteI think that the painting shows that the artist is against the blockade. I think that because, the man in the painting that I think represents Stalin, is about to shoot the birds that I also think represents America looks as if they are carrying supplies to Berlin.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI think this artist was against the blockade. In the cartoon, it shows friendly cranes bringing supplies like coal and food. There is also a man looking up at them in a confused manner. This cartoon is in extreme favor of the Allies. It depicts them as friendly and giving and shows possibly Stalin holding a gun as a threat to stop that.
Imagine you are helpless and starving, finding every way to keep your family safe and alive. Then one day out of the blue supplies - everything you need comes falling from the sky; from the heavens. The Berlin Airlift provided the people of west Berlin with such essential supplies. The Berlin Blockade is what caused President Truman to order and create the mission of the Berlin Airlift. In this cartoon we can make a variety of observations. These observations tell us that this cartoon was against the blockade.
ReplyDeleteThe Berlin Blockade was an attempt made by the Soviet Union to prevent anyone and/or anything from the west to get to West Berlin. West Germany was free and run by capitalist governments, France, Britain, and the United States. The East was run by a communist government, supported by the Soviet Union. Truman had to make an immediate response. He had a few options: Start World War III, which wasn’t a real option. Thus, he ordered a mass airlift into West Berlin, filled with supplies such as food, medicine, water, and even coal. These supplies were handed out to people in the blocked city. This prevented a world war while still conveying the message that the west would not give up West Berlin at any cost.
In the image above you will notice many important details. First, you will notice that Stalin is looking up at the Storks carrying what seem to be supplies. Basic supplies needed for survival, not weapons of any kind. At the same time Stalin is hiding in a chimney. You will also notice Stalin holding a gun but not firing it.
These details mentioned are important. They imply that the artist is trying to send a positive message about the Berlin Airlift making them against the blockade. The storks are typically known to bring babies in folklore. A positive, innocent creature bringing life. Seen as delivering blessings. While Stalin is watching the storks fly past from a hideout. You will also notice that he is not firing his gun, showing that he is powerless against the airlift. Shooting down transport planes would possibly mean he would start World War III.
To conclude, this artist was against the Berlin Blockade. The Berlin Airlift was a clever way to break the Soviets’ blockade of the city. There are a multitude of observations to make about this cartoon. These observations have a lot of meaning behind them. It is clear to say this artist thought positively about the Berlin Airlift.
I think that the artist were against the blockage because in the painting shown it’s showing supplies still being brung over (western powers) and the person standing with the gun is represented as a soviet and he doesn’t know what to do with the gun.
ReplyDeleteThey were most likely against the blockade because of how the illustrators produced the pictures in black and white. It also was against because of the cranes that were being used.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist doesn’t necessarily agree with the Berlin airlift by the way he illustrates Stalin ready to shoot the birds. I don’t think the artist actively drew Stalin shooting the birds because it would be frowned upon in a very dark time. I think to demonstrate the dark time he made the cartoon black and white.
ReplyDeleteI do not think the artist supports the Berlin airlift. Fore example, the birds are carrying the supplies needed for Berlin and a British officer getting ready to shoot the birds down. Plus at the time Berlin was with the allied powers.
ReplyDeleteI believe they were against the blockade because the cranes are showing us them giving Berlin supplies and a character who appears to be Stalin in the chimney 'hunting' the birds.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist was against the blockade. Why else would he draw these birds traveling to Berlin to give supplies and a man with a gun ready to shoot them down? To clearly help show imagery of what was going on during that time.
ReplyDeleteI think that people or artists of the story that where against it blockage. because in the painting shown it’s showing supplies still being brung over and the person standing with the gun is represented as a soviet and he doesn’t know what to do with the gun and he’s looking a bird that he doesn’t know, like has something happened like he doesn’t know.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist is against the blockade. This image shows birds bringing food and coal over the wall, completely unharmed representing justice and balance. On the wall, we see Stalin holding a gun ready to shoot whoever tries to cross. Stalin looks surprised because he did not expect the western powers to bring supplies from flying over the wall.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade because in the image, the birds are bringing materials over without harming anything however, Stalin has a gun which is probably going to be used to kill the birds to keep them from bringing the materials over.
ReplyDeletei think the author was most definitely against the blockade because in the drawing it shows birds carrying supplies over the wall, but more importantly you can see a man(Stalin) sitting down holding a gun but the birds remain unharmed.
ReplyDeleteI feel the artist is against the blockade, shown by how alert Stalin was about the supplies attached to the cranes flying over his blockade, but also with the picture depicting Stalin hesitating to draw his gun on them.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist does not like the blockade. The artist portrays the allies as snorks dropping in supplies to Berlin. Then he shows Stalin trying to shoot them down out of the chimney.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the artist is against the wall, judging by the way he added the storks into his picture, it is showing how isolated the people who are on the other side of the are. They also depict some (probably Stalin) shooting down the storks that are carrying the supplies, further more supporting the claim that the artist is against the wall being put up.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade. The artist shows Stalin ready to shoot the birds bringing in supplies, but the birds still aren't hurt.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against blockade since they show Stalin in a chimney with a shotgun getting ready to shoot the storks, who are carrying the supplies.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist really doesn't agree with it because in the picture you see a man thats represents stalin is not happy about the west bringing over supplies and being ready to shoot them down.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist was against the blockade. They have represented peaceful storks flying above Berlin, while Stalin is looking above, weapon in hand. Storks, who are easygoing creatures that deliver babies, are representative of the allies. All they are doing is helping Berliners who cannot access what they need to survive. Stalin, who is armed and ready to attack these innocent creatures, is the artist's representation of distaste for the blockade.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade because he shows Stalin watching the storks bringing in supplies , and he has a rocket launcher in hand to “fight off” the “invading forces” who are just trying to take care of the people of Berlin.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is probably against the blockade. The artist helps you see this by showing you how the cranes represent the Berlin people, giving supplies and goods to those from East Berlin. In the chimney Stalin can be seen holding a gun and looks like he’s in fear while seeing these cranes.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade because the cranes in the picture represent giving of goods to East Berlin, which then threatened Stalin, then explaining his distraught face. He feels as though the import of these cranes (goods) will diminish his power.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade because storks can be symbolic to messengers and I think it represents them giving people in east Berlin support through little goods. The person shooting down the storks could also represent anyone who was for the blockade.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade, not only because he uses storks, which usually represent new beginnings, and sometimes good luck. Stalin also looks somewhat frustrated, and trying to shoot the birds down. It also seems as if storks have already made it to West Berlin and are making that part of the city better through their work.
ReplyDeleteThe Artist made it obvious that he was against the blockade, making many symbolic signs within the painting. Stalin being spooked showed that he didn't trust who was on the outside. But there was no reason, because as you see the birds are not planes, they are dropping things the citizens need and not bombs. So the artist probably wanted the outside world to see what was going on, and how the people inside the wall felt.
ReplyDeleteI believe the artist is against the blockade. The storks carrying supplies and what appears to be Stalin with a gun looking at them. It is like their saying this will anger Stalin and could cause him to turn towards violence.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist was against the blockade because in the picture it shows Sterling Ready to shoot the birds because they’re not bringing what he needs for war and it also kind of shows how desperate he was
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the war. The cranes represent bringing of harmony and bliss. They are attempting to bring balance however Stalin is prepared to bring them down. They show how Stalin feels compromised by them since he is getting over dominated.
ReplyDeletethe artist is defiantly against the blockade the man is trying to shoot the birds down the artist was most likely apart of NATO
ReplyDeleteI think the artists were against the blockade by way the birds show displeasure. Sterlin definetly wasn't happy and shows the want to bring their power to an end.It looks like the birds were dominant in the picture though which shows resentment of the blockade being some what dominant.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade cause the birds are bringing balance and harmony and Stalin is resorting to violence to try and bring them down, or shoot the birds.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist were against the blockade. The comic shows the birds representing western powers, were just flying freely with no weapons or anything. And then it shows Stalin holding a weapon, not at all being peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThe artist of the painting was definitely against the blockade because the painting shows the birds delivering supplies and Stalin is conflicted weather to shoot them down or not.
ReplyDeleteThe artist was against the blockade. The cranes in the sky carrying food and coal are a representation of supplies being taken to East Berlin. I believe the artist is against the blockade due to the look on Stalin's face. While holding what seems to be a gun outside the chimney, he looks very confused which is a sign the blockade is not supported.
ReplyDeleteI feel the artist support blockade because the cranes flying in syk with items
ReplyDeleteI feel the artists does not support the blockade because the way he depicts the cranes who are delivering the supplies are friendly and kind which is supposed to represent the allies
ReplyDeletehe did not supported it because of the way the birds came along by them he looked very frustrated
ReplyDeleteI think the artist's against the blockade. The crane symbolizes peace and the cranes in the picture attempt to bring equilibrium by airlifting the supplies to the allies side, West Berlin. They represent Stalin ready to pull down the cranes, which is followed by the images of cranes with a sense of justice and shows that Stalin is unjust.
ReplyDeletethey think either way they are going to get to what or where they want
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade because the man in the chimney looks frightened or confused of the birds above him
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is definitely against the blockade because he shows the crains as a sign of good dropping supplies while Stalin in the chimney looks confused at what they are doing
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade. The drawing shows the cranes coming to help East Berlin
ReplyDeleteI feel the artist is against the blockage. One because he is a Britsh man and we know what side the Britsh is on at the moment. Also we do see the birds coming from the west meaning the western powers then we have Sterlin looking at the birds debating to shoot and start a battle nether side want are to not shoot and take the lost. so as I feel the artist is against it I also believe it shows the choice of the start of a war the world could not come back from or not.
ReplyDeleteThe artist looks like he is against the blockage because the cranes are coming from the west carrying dropping supplies, and the man in the chimney looks afraid and confused.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockage because the cartoon shows the birds successfully bringing goods into West Berlin and if they were against the blockage it would she the failed attempt of them bringing goods.
ReplyDeleteI believe the artist is against the blockage. I say this because the cranes are carrying coal and food into West Berlin also there is a Sterlin in the chimney that looks confused and/or afraid.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade. There's cranes representing peace and birds bringing balance and showing someone maybe a Sterlin in the chimney.
ReplyDeleteThe cranes speak to the bringing of harmony and happiness. So I think the artist is against the barricade.They show how Stalin feels undermined by them since he is getting over dominated. They are attempting to bring balance yet Stalin is prepared to bring them down.
ReplyDeleteYes I think he did support the blockade. My thoughts are because the aircrafts in this artwork are looked at as birds and not actual pilots. Another reason it shows that he supported the blockade was stalin shotting these birds and there supply my thoughts are it symbolizes that he wanted this to be taken away with violence. An emotion in this piece of art is the feeling of anger in disgust coming from Stalin. I think Stalin shooting these birds is deplicted in my eyes as stuborn, but in the eyes of Ernest Howard Shepard (the artist) he may see it as brave.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist was for sure against the blockade and didn’t see a reason for because of the man sitting there with a rifle of some sort of rifle letting the birds pass the border with materials. i think the man with the rifle represents the people and the birds represent the end of the blockade
ReplyDeleteThe artist is against the blockade. The artist shows Stalin watching birds fly over goods to East Berlin, defying the blockade.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade. The allies are represented by cranes. The birds are carrying product to Berlin successfully. And another is Stalin is holding a gun which was most likely used to shoot down the birds from bringing product.
ReplyDeleteI think the artist is against the blockade because it’s showing birds flying across the border showing that they think we should have another entry way.
ReplyDeleteI think that the artist is against the wall. from looking at the way he added the storks into his picture, it is showing isolation to the people on the other side. They also show some shooting down the storks that are carrying the supplies. this is showing more of the claim that the artist are against the wall being put up.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is clearly against the blockade, and is published in a British magazine, which is part of the Allies. Cranes and birds are symbols of peace, freedom, and birth, and carrying supplies to East Berlin seems like a display of American freedom and peace efforts. Stalin seems stunned by this display because he won’t be able to shoot all of them down, even though he seems to want East Berlin not to have these supplies.
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