After the Second World War ended in Europe, Germany was divided into four zones controlled by the Soviet Union, Britain, France and the United States, as was its capital in the Soviet zone. Thereafter, Berlin became a symbol and proving ground of the Cold War. Hence in June 1948, when Soviets blockaded the city the western Allies created an air-bridge or airlift which carried food, medicines and supplies to the city and built up a year’s reserve to show determined support. Later, the destruction of the Berlin Wall, where John Kennedy had said “Ich bin ein Berliner,” symbolized victory in the Cold War to many Americans.