Desired Outcomes of the West and the Soviet Union

Soviet Goal: The Soviets wanted Germany to be a unified communist state.  The Soviets wanted to keep Germany poor because they felt this would make a communist uprising more likely.   

Soviet Desired Outcome in Berlin: The Soviets wanted to prevent the West from using their own currency in Berlin.  They knew this was key to the Western Allies’ efforts to stabilize the economy and promote future growth.  However, this was just the flashpoint for the Berlin Blockade.  Their primary goal was to force the Western Allies to leave Berlin.2  This was a critical first step in making Germany a communist country. 

Allied Goal: The Western Allies hoped to create a unified democratic Germany to act as a buffer to prevent further communist expansion in Europe.  They also wanted an economically strong Germany that would not be reliant on aid from the West.   

Allied Desired Outcome in Berlin: The Allies needed to stay in the capitol city of Berlin if they were going to be able to create a democratic Germany.  They also needed to do this without risking armed conflict with the Soviets.  It was felt that US support at home could only be maintained by measures short of war.3

2. R. H. Hillenkoetter, Director CIA, Memorandum for the President, 30 June, 1948

3. Summary of Department of State telegrams, 15 July, 1948