Introduction

Cold war was a rivalry between world powers which started at the end of second world war and ending in early 1990s. Since Germany was divided into four occupied zones including Berlin after the war, this country became one of the significant fronts of this confrontation. This article will take a closer look at the history of Berlin and the Cold War, the division of the city with a construction of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany.

The Division of Berlin

After the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, the four major victorious power: the United States , the Soviet Union, Britain, and France occupied the country dividing into four zones. Like other cities in the Soviet zone, Berlin was also divided into four sectors among the occupying powers of the world. Such division paved way to differences in the political philosophies and form of government in different tilms thus heightening the conflict between the East and the West.

The Berlin Wall

To check the migration of refugees to West Germany, the Soviet ally, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), erected the Berlin Wall in 1961. The wall was a real wall that physically and politically separated the city of Berlin into two parts – the east and the west . Many such attempts turned into disasters and families were separated.

For nearly thirty years this concrete and barbed wire wall physically and metaphorically separated East Berlin and the rest of the western world. Its’ turning into one of the most vivid symbols of Cold War and further opposition of the two powers. The wall had guard towers, razor wire and soldiers on patrol – escape from the place was something that was almost out of the question.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

In 1989, the GDR giving in to the increasing public pressure for change, opened doors to allow east germans to travel to the west. This culminated in many people choring the Berlin wall and its subsequent collapse on 9th of November 1989. If the symbolism of Checkpoint Charlie still remains, the demolition of the wall in November 1989 heralded the dawn of the next stage of history – the end of the Cold War.

Reunification and Beyond

The breaking down of the Berlin Wall made it easier for Germany to be reunite. The officially joined East and West Germany on October 3, 1990 and Berlin again become the capital of Germany . The reunion generated a litany a economic and social problems when people and businesses in both parts attempted to put back together again.

This has made Berlin one of the most historic tourist friendly city that has incorporated most of its past in its present infrastructure. Tourists will be able to go through the remaining pieces of the wall like the East Side Gallery which is a part of the remaining walking/ biking tour and has painted murals to commemorate Berlin’s past. Other museums, such as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum give more history about the sufferings of Berliners during the Cold War period.

Conclusion

The effects of the Cold War were clearly felt in Berlin which was a central theatre of the war. The social division of the city of Berlin, the building of the schizophrenic aptly named Berlin Wall, and its demolition as well as the reunification of the two Germanys not only formed part of the German past but remain present in the present day Germany. Through this cold war history of Berlin we are able to know the impacts of geopolitical rivalry and the spirit of people in rising above such challenges.