Introduction
Find out everything about the CNN CNN Cold War Berlin Wall study in our complete guide. Our article explores how and why the Berlin Wall became a Cold War symbol before explaining its origin and end.
1. What was the Cold War?
During late 1940s to early 1990s the United States and the Soviet Union maintained an intense political and ideological struggle. During this period powerful nations maintained uneasy relations and lived under constant risk of nuclear confrontation.
2. The Soviet Union built the Berlin Wall to control East-West travel
2.1 Background:
Following World War II, Germany was divided into four zones controlled by the Allies: Four leading nations controlled the world after World War II: the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France. Following World War II East Berlin was split into four occupied areas along with its Soviet-controlled East German city region.
2.2 Reasons for Construction:
Upon Soviet Union orders East Germany built the Berlin Wall during 1961 to block both West Germany departures and Western capitalist infiltration.
2.3 Wall Structure:
The Berlin Wall featured an impenetrable concrete structure and an electrified wire top with surveillance towers across its 155 kilometers. The barrier ran 155 kilometers across different sections to screen all movement between East and West Germany.
3. Life in Divided Berlin
3.1 East Berlin:
Communist East Berlin citizens faced tough living conditions because the government prohibited personal liberty, censored media thoroughly and imposed limits on daily items. Most employment stayed under government management while the eastern economy failed to match west German success.
3.2 West Berlin:
Despite being enclosed by East Germany’s territory West Berlin operated as a capitalist success. Western nations supported the city’s growth which brought people from everywhere to live and work here.
4. Impact and Significance
The Berlin Wall functioned both as a practical border against East West movement and as a symbol of the Cold War struggle between communism and capitalism. Despite its physical function, the wall lived as a famous symbol for the ongoing competition between ideological systems during the Cold War era. Many people trying to leave East Germany would die during their escape attempts while their families remained apart.
5. The Fall of the Berlin Wall
5.1 Sociopolitical Changes:
Under Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s rule changes called perestroika and glasnost started in 1989 to open Soviet political systems. Soon after the Soviet Union’s political shifts East Germany experienced protests and requests for freedom from its people.
5.2 Historic Date:
On November 9, 1989 the East German authorities announced wall access to citizens that sparked a joyful reunion as people crossed over and tore down the old dividing barrier.
6. Legacy
After the fall of the Berlin Wall ended Cold War tensions Germany became one country again on October 3 1990. Since its destruction the Berlin Wall has become a powerful representation of human unity against totalitarian rule.
Conclusion
During the Cold War CNN recorded a monumental event through its Cold War Berlin Wall coverage. The structure’s life changed our current global reality. Learning about the past helps you discover what made this symbol so important to history.