We are probably all familiar with the Silver Parachutes from Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games.
The parachutes bearing meds or food float down, courtesy of Panem sponsors, and they are considered last-minute, unforeseen gifts.
What would your 'Silver Parachute' bring? Who would sponsor you?
Post War Germany was divided into three sections--the Allied part was controlled by the United States, Great Britain and France, and another part by the Soviet Union. The city of Berlin, although located in the eastern Soviet half, was also divided into four sectors --West Berlin occupied by Allied interests and East Berlin occupied by Soviets. In June 1948, the Soviet Union attempted to control all of Berlin by cutting surface traffic to and from the city of West Berlin. Starving out the population and cutting off their business was their method of gaining control. As part of the Marshall Plan the Truman administration reacted with a continual daily airlift which brought much needed food and supplies into the city of West Berlin. The Berlin Airlift lasted until the end of September of 1949---although on May 12, 1949, the Soviet government yielded and lifted the blockade.
How did the airlift affect West German attitudes toward the United States and 'contain' the spread of Communism?
Imagine you are a child in Postwar West Berlin. Write a 'Thank You' like the ones in the story to "Uncle Wiggly Wings."
1. My silver parachute would have my trusty Swiss Army knife, my fishing pole lighter, my big tent, pillow and blanket, my fishing pole. My mom would be my sponsor.
ReplyDelete2. They were very grateful. Their economy boomed again and they stomped out communism.
3. Thank you for thinking about us dropping down candy for us.