Book Review: Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown that Shaped the Modern World

A Thrilling Presentation of Events in Post-War Berlin

In Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown That Shaped the Modern World, author Giles Milton describes the interactions of the Americans, British, French and Russians during their occupation of post-war Berlin. I typically read historical narratives that describe a time or event. Some of these are very good and I give them high ratings. But Milton’s work is a revelation in that he goes beyond mere description and gives the reader a historical narrative that is just as exciting as any fictional thriller.

Post-war Berlin was supposed to have been occupied jointly by the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia. Governance of Berlin was supposed to be by a joint committee of the occupying countries. The representatives of the allied forces initially attempted to work with their allies, the Russians. However, Russia immediately did everything that they could to undermine the joint occupation and to try to take complete control of the entire city.

Milton’s main character throughout the book was Col. Frank “Howlin’ Mad” Howley, the representative of the American Forces. He was the first to recognize the Russians’ strategy. While he was at first disbelieved Howley ultimately led the allied effort to respond to the Russians and to maintain allied control of their respective sectors of the city.

By writing this book through the eyes of the men who were on the ground Milton effectively described a sort of chess match full of moves and countermoves aimed at control of all sectors of Berlin.

Russia’s final move was to create a blockade around West Berlin so that the allied forces could not deliver food or fuel to their troops or to the residents. When faced with a choice between armed conflict with Russia and an attempt to airlift all required supplies, President Truman authorized the airlift. Milton thrillingly describes the airlift, managed by Maj-Gen William Tunner, that came to the rescue of the citizens of West Berlin.

When it became clear that Russia’s blockade would not work as planned they terminated the siege and Berlin became a divided with West Berlin aligned with the West for the next 40 years.

The events described by Milton were definitely exciting. His stirring presentation of those events as a strategic match between committed men took this book to a level above the typical historical narrative. I give this book 5 stars and recommend it for everyone.