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Yalta Conference
Sometimes called the Crimea Conference and code-named the Argonaut Conference. This was a wartime meeting of heads of gov't of the US, UK and the Soviet Union: Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin to discuss Europe's postwar reorganization. -
Stalin appoints Colonel General Berzarin as City Commandant
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General Weilding, Defense Commandant of Berlin, surrenders the city to the red Army
The Soviets proceed to rape and pillage anything of worth in the city.
Image is of Brandenburg Gate, post war and looking north east -
Berlin to be divided into 4 sectors instead of 3
France demands a piece of their own.
To the West is the American, British and French zones and the Soviet Union to the East. The government is to be conducted by a collective Kommandatura, whose decisions must be unanimous. -
Ulbricht chooses Dr. Arthur Werner as Oberburgermeister (Lord Mayor)
He was an unlikely candidate because he was elderly and an unpolitical college principal. It was all part of Ulbricht's plan to have his own man, hardcore communist Karl Maron, in position as Deputy. -
First stretch of subway re-opens
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Berlin Museum opens in temporary quarters
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City Government is re-instituted
Social Democratic trade union leader Jeosef Orlopp is "persuaded" to join. To legitimize his election, a few prominent citizens are rounded up to "vote." They are: Dr. Andreas Hermes (pre-war Catholic politician), Dr. Sauerbruch (surgeon and Director of Berlin's Charite Hospital), Hans Scharoun (architect) and film and theatre star, Heinz Ruhmann. -
Czech gov't to deport 3 million German compatriots
These German-speaking people were called "Sudeten Germans" -
Berlin Philharmonic gives its first post-war concert
Conducted by Leo Borchard, a Russian born to German parents. Borchard was later killed when his British driver mistook an American sentry hand signal to stop and he was shot. -
German Communist Party is refounded
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Berzarin dies in a mysterious motorcycle accident
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American "Preliminary Reconaissance Party" approved by Soviets
The party consists of 500 men and 100 vehicles. Only 1/2 would actually be allowed into the Soviet Zone but they would not get beyond Babelsberg before having to turn back since the Soviets would not let them laeve their vehicles. -
Christian Democratic Union is established
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US General Clay and British Military Deputy Governor Weeks fly to Berlin
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Liveral Democratic Party is founded
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United Front of the Fascist Democratic Parties is announced
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Potsdam Conference begins
Runs until August 2, 1945 and results in the division of Berlin into 4 Zones. -
First meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, London, England
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Political Advisor to the American commandant, Robert Murphy, reports on refugees arriving from Polish territories
In a message to the State Department, he describes the scene at Lehrter Rail Station in Berlin where hundreds of German refugees, expelled from Polish territories, are arriving. As many as 10 per day are dying and all are suffering from exhaustion, malnutrition and illness. -
Stalin tells Ulbricht that the SPD and KPD must merge by May 1.
Please note: this took place in the month of January. No particular date assigned. -
RIAS first broadcast
Radio in the American Sector remained committed to the tradition of rational, critical American journalism. Thus, it was credibility that distinguished this station. It was also known for playing great music
20,000 Watt transmitter enabled 24-hour broadcasting -
The merger of the SPD and KPD
In the German State Opera House in East Berlin, 1000 delegates formally vote to merge the KPD and SPD despite opposition. Joint leaders Wilhelm Pieck (KPD) and Otto Grotewohl (SPD) shake hands. A stylized version of the picture later becomes the emblem of the SED and is later reproduced on banners, buttons and posters. Walter Ulbricht (KPD) and Max Fechner (SPD) are to be the Deputies. -
2nd meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers, Paris, France
Runs until May 16, 1946. -
SMA orders demaracation line between East and West Berlin be safeguarded
SMA= Soviet Military Administration -
American and British agree to economically merge their zones.
The Bizone becomes known as "Bizonia". The French and Soviets oppose the merger and say that it violates the Potsdam agreement. -
Secretary of State James Byrnes invites all to join
During the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Paris, Brynes invites all occupying powers to merge their zones economically with the American zone. -
Paris Peace Conference
Continues through to October 15 and results in Paris Peace Treaties to be signed by Allies -
30 Day interzonenpass required to travel between East and West sectors
Applications must be made to the authorities who had free reign to refuse. -
3rd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, New York
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Paris Peace Treaties signed
These treaties allow Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Finland to reassume their responsibilities as sovereign states in international affairs and qualify them for membership in the United Nations. -
Soviets create the German Administration of the Interior
Called the Deutsche Verwaltung des Innern and abbreviated DVdI. They would control the German auxiliary police force that would soon be dubbed the ‘People’s Police’. -
4th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, Moscow
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Lucius Clay appointed successor to General McNarney as US Military Governor
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Ernst Reuter, former Secretary of the KPD, is elected as Mayor but vetoed by the Soviets
The existing Lord Mayor, Otto Ostrowski, is forced to resign. Reuter is vetoed because of his anti-Communist views. Acting Mayor, Luise Schroeder (SPD) remains in the position until Dec, 1948. -
The Eurpoean recovery Plan (ERP) is announced
this is the primary program of the US to rebuild and create a stronger economic foundation for the countries of Europe. Historically it will be known as The Marshall Plan, in honor of Secretary of State, George Marshall -
5th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, London, England
Meeting continues until December 16, 1947 -
Russians withdraw from the Allied Control Commission
After inter-Allied talks fail, the Russians withdraw and a peace treaty no longer looks possible -
Secretary Marshall and General Clay meet in Berlin
The pair meet to discuss mounting Communist pressure. -
France finally agrees to economically join the British and American
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The Western Allies withdraw the Reichsmark from circulation
They issue everyone in their zones with 40 new Deutsche Marks (D-Marks), with 20 more to follow in exchange for 60 old marks. -
Soviets cut all communications between the West and Berlin
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The West announces plans to introduce the D-Mark into Berlin
The SED organizes demonstrations in response -
The Berlin Blockade begins
Khrushchev issues ultimatum: the West must recognize the sovereignty of Communist East Germany and remove all troops from Berlin.
The Russians announce that rail links between the Western zones will be closed until further notice. The Elbe Bridge is also closed. -
General Clay gives the order to launch "Operation Vittles"
The American mission name for the Berlin airlift.
The British code named the mission "Knicker" and then 'Carter Patterson" (a reference to a well known British freight company. -
The Berlin Airlift
The Western Powers launch the Berlin Airlift to get supplies into West Berlin. They plan to drop over 8000 tons of food and other daily necessities to the 2.5 million residents. -
Winston Churchill warns Western Allies
to hold fast to Berlin at the risk of WWIII -
US Air Force to dispatch a "task force"
They plan to run "maneuvers" in Germany -
39 US Skymaster Cargo planes
US Air Force will use the planes to help Allies fight the Russian siege of Berlin -
Military Governors of the Western zones issue Frankfurt Documents
Issued to German Political leaders outlining recommendations of the 5th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. One recommendation is the creation of a Parliamentary Council with a goal to drafting a constitution for the 3 zones. -
Russia says it won't participate in a Four Powers Conference
In an attempt to stop the West from creating a separate German state. -
Skymaster overshoots the runway
Foggy conditions cause the plane to overshoot the runway at Tempelhof and catch fire -
East Germans build a barbed wire barrier
It cuts traffic between East and West. -
SED calls for the Magistrat to resign
As the Magistrat convene, a huge and intimidating crowd of SED supporters arrive waving red flags and shouting slogans like "Down with the bankrupt Magistrat!" "No, Marshall Plan"
Later, 30,000 anti-Communist Berliners gather to hear a speech from Ernst Reuter willing a fight against Communism "as long as there is a breath in us" -
The Communists split Berlin with the proclamation of their own "magistrate"
3000 Communist demonstrators violently invade the Red Town Hall building and attach journalists and assembly members. Markgraf police take all Magistrat members and employees, as well as Western liaison officers, as hostages. They are released many hours later. American protest of the event falls on deaf ears. It becomes clear that no democratic
government in the Eastern part of the city is possible. -
250,000 Berliners flock to Platz der Republik
They come to hear their leaders urge them to hold out against the blockade and oppose attempts to topple their elected representatives. Ernst Reuter gives speech near the Brandenburg Gate ("People of the World".) Demonstration spills into Soviet Sector.The Eastern police react with bullets. 12 go to hospital and a 16 year old boy bleeds to death. 5 are arrested and sentenced to 25 years hard labour by a Soviet military court. The sentences were later reduced. -
First Transport plane lands at Tegel Airfield
Although the French were not actively involved, they did help to construct the new airfield in Tegel (located in their sector) -
Russia threatens to force down planes
Any planes flying outside of air corridors may be forced down. British military responds with strong warning to Russia. US responds too but not as strongly.
Soviets jammed radio frequencies and blinded pilots with searchlights but the planes kept coming -
Russian and Western Powers agree to end Blockade
They also agree to the next meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers on May 23, 1949 in Paris, France -
Basic Law is approved for the Federal Democratic Republic
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The Blockade actually ends
Western Allies still fly in for a few months so as to safeguard against a Soviet turnaround -
People's Congress For Unity and a Just Peace
Soviet Germany concludes voting for handpicked pro-communist People's Congress (it was a single-list ballot. Only 35% of eligible East Germans are reported to have voted. Soviet Military police out in force to "control" the voting. -
Train workers go on strike.
Interzonal rail shipments and elevated trains stop entirely. Workers demand to be paid in West German Marks instead of Eastern Marks. West German Marks are worth 4X as much -
Federal Republic of Germany comes into existence.
Basic Law becomes the constitution of West Germany with the signatures of the Allies. -
6th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, Paris, France
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Eastern police finally agree to withdraw from all Western facilities.
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16,000 non-communist train workers block a Soviet attempt to take over
Soviet officers and East Berlin train workers try but fail to take over strike-bound American sector railway yards. Several strikers are wounded and one is killed. -
4-power conference ends with little agreement
Although the meeting was called as part of the Blockade settlement, it amounted to little more than pettifogging argument and little agreement as to long term access to Berlin from the West -
Western Berlin Trade Union puts it to a vote
600 officials of the union let their members vote on the settlement offer. Russia will agree to pay 60% of wages in West German Marks and take no reprisals against striking workers. Western Powers agree to let West Berlin City Council exchange a further 15% of wages from East to West Marks on a 1:1 basis. -
S-Bahn reopens
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Catholic politician, Konrad Adenauer become Chancellor of Bonn
The same day, an East German delegation in Moscow agree on the foundation of a separate state (the GDR) -
Last US cargo plane flies into Berlin
The Berlin Airlift ends for the US -
Last British cargo plane into Berlin
The Airlift is over for Britian -
The German Democratic Republic is established
Their constitution comes into effect. KPD leader Wilhem Pieck is President and Otto Grotewohl (SPD) becomes provisional Prime Minister. However, Walter Ulbricht, First Secretary of the SED remained the real power. -
US Public Health officials report on Polio crisis
Report that Soviet zone polio victims are being brought to West berlin hospitals without any provision for their care.
