The Berlin Airlift was the first major international crisis of the Cold War. In June 1948, the Soviet Union blocked all land and water routes to West Berlin, which was located deep within the Soviet-occupied zone of Germany. The blockade was intended to force the Western Allies (U.S., UK, and France) to abandon the city. In response, the Allies launched 'Operation Vittles,' a massive aerial campaign to fly food, coal, and supplies into the city. For nearly a year, Allied planes landed at Tempelhof Airport every few minutes. The operation was a massive logistical success and a propaganda victory for the West, demonstrating their commitment to resisting Soviet expansion without engaging in direct military conflict. The Soviets eventually lifted the blockade in May 1949, and the event solidified the division of Germany into East and West.