Answer: The Soviet Union's 1948 blockade of West Berlin was primarily a response to the introduction of a new currency in the western-occupied zones of Germany.
Explanation: The currency, known as the Deutschmark, was seen by the Soviet Union as a threat to their plans for post-war Germany and Europe. The Soviets believed that the introduction of a new currency would strengthen the position of the western powers in Germany and undermine Soviet influence. In response, the Soviet Union initiated a blockade of all land and water routes into West Berlin, which was located deep inside the Soviet-controlled zone of Germany. The blockade was intended to force the Western powers out of Berlin and give the Soviet Union greater control over the city. However, the blockade did not achieve its desired results, and instead became a symbol of the Cold War division between the East and West. The Western powers responded with a massive airlift, which provided West Berlin with crucial supplies and prevented the city from falling to Soviet control.