The Berlin Wall is an example of division, and of Germany’s subsequent reconnection, during and after World War II. But this structure, that helped separate families, that separated a nation — now it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and itself the pursuit of freedom. In the following, we will examine the history of the Berlin Wall, its conception, its effects on people’s lives and what happened during the downfall of the Berlin Wall.
1. An Origins of the Berlin Wall
After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupied zones controlled by the Allied powers: the USSR, Great Britain, France and the United States. Berlin, well inside the Soviet zone, was divided into four sectors too. Relationships between the Soviet Union and Western Allies grew more and more tense until there was finally division of East and West Germany.
The Berlin Wall was built in August 1961. It was set up to stop East Germans escaping to West Germany, which at that time was far more prosperous. There was a concrete wall, barbed wire, guard towers and a ‘death strip’ patrolled by the guards, all of which formed the wall. After, the border became impassable and families and friends were suddenly separated.
2. Life with the Wall
The Berlin Wall changed the lives of East Germans and West Germans, drastically. People were on both sides of the divide but the families were torn apart. The Stasi was the state secret police of East Germany, living under strict surveillance which kept many citizens in check, leaving no real escape easy, and causing those to attempt it to suffer serious consequences.
For people in West Germany, however, it was often solidarity with those in the East. Tiredly organizations and individuals worked to have conditions better, to support and to advocate for the reunification of Germany. Yet, the Berlin Wall was also a symbol of resilience and the human spirit which just refused to be broken.
3. The Fall of the Berlin Wall
Over time the desire for reunification grew stronger until it came to symbolise the divide between the East and the West and what better way to symbolise the wall than with one of the songs from the opposing side. In the late 1980s a chain of events ensued across Eastern Europe, which led to the fall of the wall.
3.1 Peaceful Protests
East Germany now had massive peaceful demonstrations demanding freedom, unity. It drew thousands of people to the streets chanting slogans, calling for change. The screams of these protests caught the eyes of the world. Any authority in the Soviet Union began to have pressure over these demands of their citizens.
3.2 Political Changes
Political reforms took the nation by storm in East Germany. The hardline leader in charge of the building of the wall was ousted and more moderate leaders took power. The changes such as these gave hope to an environment of reconciliation, further discussions about the reunification.
3.3 The Fall of the Wall
On November 9, 1989, East German authorities made an unexpected announcement: The border was open to citizens. People overwhelmed with joy and disbelief flooded the wall to embrace families, friends and, in at least one case, a complete stranger. This impenetrable wall was breached. It was a time of change in History.
4. Reunification and Beyond
In 1990, the Berlin Wall fell, bringing about reunification of East and West Germany. It was a big deal, not only for Germans but for the world. It was a symbol of the end of the Cold War, and marking the power of peaceful resistance and longed to be free.
Today, parts of the Berlin Wall remind us what has come and gone. What many of the tektites do is honor the memory of those who were affected by its presence through museums, parks and memorials all over the city. The triumph of the human spirit comes, but in one form — the unified Germany that has grown from the ruins of the wall.
Conclusion
One of the most famous events of the latest modern history is the Berlin Wall, a physical wall raised for the postwar time. It cast families apart from each other, life in chaos, a reminder of the fighting between the East and the West. Yet, it also pointed to the victory of hope over fear — despite having endured army rule, periodic coups d´etat and large scale protests and political changes, Germany eventually went through, and reunited. The Berlin Wall is the story of how unity, freedom and the fighting human spirit matter.