In response, the United States and Great Britain began dropping supplies and food into Berlin by way of airlift. By mid July, the Soviets had 40 Army divisions against 8 Allied divisions. Although there was much tension, war didn’t break out.
The airlift continued for 11 months until May 12, 1949, when the Soviets lifted the blockade, thoroughly embarrassed. The supplying of Berlin continued unopposed until September 30, 1949. This event showed the United States’ willingness to oppose Soviet expansion efforts.