Empire Podcast Episode 261: Race To Berlin 1945: A Devastated City Divided (Ep 1) Summary

In Episode 261 of Empire, hosted by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple, the focus shifts to the harrowing final months of World War II, culminating in the Battle for Berlin and the subsequent division of the city. With special guest Giles Milton, author of Checkmate in Berlin, the episode delves deep into the complexities and tragedies that shaped the early stages of the Cold War.

1. Reflecting on the Yalta Conference

The episode opens with a critical examination of the Yalta Conference, where the "Big Three"—Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin—attempted to negotiate post-war arrangements. Giles Milton argues that the conference was less a show of unity and more a façade masking profound disagreements.

Giles Milton [03:43]: "All three of them came away thinking they'd got a really good deal. They came away very optimistic... Stalin has effectively got everything he wants already."

Milton emphasizes that Roosevelt's idealistic vision of "winning the peace" was fundamentally flawed, setting the stage for future conflicts.

2. The Soviet Onslaught: Rapid Advance to Berlin

As the war nears its end, the Soviet Red Army, under the command of Marshal Zhukov and General Konev, makes a swift and relentless push into Berlin, outpacing the Western Allies by approximately two months.

Giles Milton [10:30]: "The Soviets are sweeping into the city... while the Western Allies are still some 200 miles west of the city, which is a strategic disaster."

Milton attributes this disparity to strategic decisions made by General Eisenhower, who shifted the Western focus from capturing Berlin to annihilating the remaining Wehrmacht forces, inadvertently allowing the Soviets to seize the city with minimal resistance.

3. Berlin Under Siege: Looting and Atrocities

Upon entering Berlin, Soviet troops unleash widespread looting and sexual violence. The devastation is palpable, with infrastructure in ruins and civilians, primarily women and children, left vulnerable.

Giles Milton [15:55]: "They are taking everything... even taps from people's houses... it's completely absurd."

The episode highlights the infamous photograph of the Soviet flag atop the Reichstag, symbolizing Stalin's claim of unilateral victory.

Giles Milton [17:32]: "This photo makes front page news around the world. It's a fantastic propaganda coup for Joseph Stalin."

The sexual violence is particularly harrowing, with accounts from Diary of a Woman in Berlin illustrating the brutal reality faced by civilians.

William Dalrymple [22:20]: "They are being actively encouraged by their senior generals to go and rape the women."

4. Commandants of Divided Berlin

Berlin is divided into sectors as per the Yalta agreement, each governed by different Allied commandants. The American sector is led by the charismatic Colonel Frank Howley, who becomes a beloved figure among Berliners for his unwavering commitment to protecting his sector from Soviet encroachment.

Giles Milton [31:48]: "He describes the Russians as gangsters... and treats them like gangsters... the hallmark of his rule."

In contrast, the British sector is managed by the eccentric Brigadier Robert "Loony" Hind, whose Raj-inspired leadership style leads to lavish lifestyles for his troops, starkly contrasting with the suffering of Berlin's residents.

The Soviet sector is overseen by the ruthless General Alexander Kotikov, whose authoritarian approach exacerbates tensions among the Allied commandants.

Giles Milton [39:34]: "They clash and don't agree... this is going to be a major problem for the governance of Berlin."

5. Denazification and the Cultural Rape

The episode delves into the implementation of denazification, revealing the selective approach taken by the Soviets. While some Nazis were prosecuted, others, like the conductor Fertwangler, were co-opted for propaganda purposes, highlighting the complexities of post-war reconciliation.

William Dalrymple [42:20]: "The Western Allies wanted to denazify, but the Soviets selectively chose who to prosecute and who to use for their own ends."

6. The Potsdam Conference: Shifting Alliances and Rising Tensions

With Roosevelt's death, Harry Truman assumes the U.S. leadership, bringing inexperience and altering the dynamics of Allied relations. Winston Churchill's abrupt ousting following the British general election creates further instability.

Giles Milton [47:26]: "Bevin throws a punch at Molotov... taking gunboat diplomacy to the ultimate extreme."

Truman's revelation of the atomic bomb's success at the Potsdam Conference adds another layer of complexity, especially as Stalin, already well-informed through Soviet espionage, remains unimpressed.

7. The Brink of the Cold War: Prelude to the Berlin Blockade

The culmination of these events leads to the inevitable breakdown of Allied unity and the rising tensions that precipitate the Berlin Blockade. The Western Allies' desire to rebuild Germany clashes with Stalin's ambitions, setting the stage for the Cold War's early confrontations.

Giles Milton [55:35]: "Stalin's eyeing up further west... the stage is set for the imminent Berlin Blockade."

Conclusion

Episode 261 offers a poignant exploration of Berlin's transformation from the heart of the Third Reich to the epicenter of post-war power struggles. Through vivid narration and expert insights, Minas and his guest highlight the human cost of geopolitical maneuvering, setting the foundation for understanding the Cold War's origins.

Notable Quotes:

• Giles Milton [03:43]: "Stalin has effectively got everything he wants already."

• William Dalrymple [22:20]: "They are being actively encouraged by their senior generals to go and rape the women."

• Giles Milton [17:32]: "This photo makes front page news around the world. It's a fantastic propaganda coup for Joseph Stalin."

• Giles Milton [31:48]: "He becomes this great protector and he's loved by Berliners who realize that he's standing between them and the possibility of a complete Soviet takeover."

• Giles Milton [55:35]: "Stalin's eyeing up further west... the stage is set for the imminent Berlin Blockade."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and revelations from Episode 261, providing listeners with a deep understanding of Berlin's pivotal role in shaping modern history.