During which period was the Berlin Blockade established?

The Berlin Blockade was established from 1948 to 1949, a significant event during the early years of the Cold War. This period was marked by rising tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies, primarily the United States, United Kingdom, and France, following World War II.

The Berlin Blockade specifically began on June 24, 1948, when the Soviet Union aimed to exert pressure on the Western allies by blocking all ground access to West Berlin, which lay within the Soviet-controlled East Germany. As a response, the Western Allies initiated the Berlin Airlift to supply West Berlin with essential goods such as food, fuel, and other supplies. This airlift operation lasted until May 12, 1949, when the blockade was lifted.

Understanding the context of the Cold War is crucial in grasping the importance of the blockade, as it not only highlighted the division between East and West but also set the stage for future confrontations during this tense geopolitical climate. The other choices refer to periods that do not accurately coincide with the blockade, making them incorrect in this context.