The Tenuous Status of Berlin
- At the Potsdam Conference in 1945, the Allied powers agreed to joint governance of Berlin, treating it as a separate entity from Germany. However, access to Berlin was never formally negotiated.
- While roads and air corridors were established, there was no formal mechanism for their oversight.
- In practice, Allied military traffic was supposed to be overseen by the Soviets, but the gates were controlled by East Germans.
The creationof the German Democratic Republic (GDR)in 1949further complicatedthe statusof Berlin, making it a flashpointfor both superpowers.
Economic and Social Challenges
- Before the Berlin Crisis, Berlin was an open city, leading to two major problems for East Germany:
- Brain Drain: Skilled workers migrated to West Berlin or West Germany for better opportunities.
- Economic Disparities: West Berliners could purchase goods in the East at lower prices, causing scarcity for East Berliners.
When analyzing historical events, consider both economic and social factors. In this case, the open border in Berlin exacerbated economic disparities and undermined the stability of East Germany.
Khrushchev's Ultimatums
The 1958 Ultimatum
- On November 10, 1958, Khrushchev demanded an end to the four-power occupation of Berlin.
- He threatened to withdraw Soviet control and turn East Berlin over to the East German government.
- This move aimed to pressure the Western powers to withdraw their forces.
Khrushchev's proposal to make Berlin a free city was rejected by the Western powers, who saw it as a ploy to integrate Berlin into East Germany.
The 1959 Peace Treaty Proposal
- On January 10, 1959, Khrushchev presented a draft peace treaty to France, Britain, and the USA. The treaty called for:
- Recognition of both German states.
- Establishment of Berlin as a free city.
- The implied threat was that the USSR would sign a separate treaty with East Germany, forcing the Western powers to negotiate access to Berlin with the East Germans.
The Western powers feared this was a strategy to absorb Berlin into East Germany, further strengthening the Soviet bloc.
Motivations Behind Khrushchev's Actions
Security Concerns
- Khrushchev viewed the lack of a treaty with Germany as a threat to Soviet security.
- He was particularly fearful of West Germany obtaining nuclear weapons.
- Despite his warnings, the Bundestag passed resolutions authorizing nuclear weapons on West German soil, alarming the Kremlin.
Khrushchev's actions were driven by a desire to protect the Soviet Union from a resurgent, militarized Germany.
Internal and External Pressures
- Support for East Germany: Khrushchev felt a responsibility to stabilize East Germany, which was economically weaker than its western counterpart.
- Sino-Soviet Relations: The growing rift with Mao's China pressured Khrushchev to demonstrate strength against capitalism.
