East Germany raises truck toll rates in an attempt to set up economic roadblock for West Germany

German trucks resumed their journey on the Autobahn towards West Berlin after a delay caused by a significant increase in communist road tolls. This move is perceived as retaliation for West Germany's ratification of the Paris Rearmament Accords, described as political blackmail by the Western Allies. As the toll increase took effect, many trucks were stalled due to drivers lacking funds to pay the new charges. West Berlin, surrounded by Soviet occupation, allocated funds to maintain its supply routes, with 44% of its supplies trucked in. Although West Germany has the option of economic reprisals, they continue to pay the high tolls to ensure the overland provisioning of West Berlin.

What was the reason behind the slowdown of German trucks on the Autobahn towards West Berlin?

• Traffic congestion

• Mechanical failures

• Bad weather conditions

• Increased road tolls by communists

What was the increased road tolls believed to be a response to?

• West Germany's economic growth

• West Germany's ratification of the Paris Rearmament Accords

• A new trade agreement

• A military exercise

How did the Western Allies describe the toll increase?

• An economic strategy

• A necessary measure

• A diplomatic error

• Political blackmail

What action did West Berlin take to keep the highway lifeline open?

• Negotiated with the Soviet Union

• Increased their own tolls

• Authorized a quarter of a million dollar fund

• Closed the highway temporarily

What percentage of West German supplies are trucked into West Berlin?

• 60%

• 30%

• 44%

• 50%