To end the four-power-control of Berlin, Soviet leader Chrustschow sends an ultimatum to the west: If there are no negotiations about the transformation of Berlin into a "free city", the USSR will hand over all their rights and responsibilities with regard to the city to the GDR. For example the control over the routes to the west by water, land and air.

The goal was to revoke the four-power control status of Berlin and drive the Western forces out of the city due to the massive flight movement that had started in the GDR.

The USA, Britain and France did not give in, Chrustschow shrunk back from the confrontation.

On October 7th 1949 Germany gets divided: The western parts, mainly under American und British control become the Federal Republic of Germany, East-Germany, controlled by the USSR, claims the "Democratic Republic of Germany". This also marks a milestone of the Cold War.

On May 8th Nazi-Germany fully surrendered to the Allied forces. This marks the end of WWII in Europe.