At the top of its list is the Berlin Wall, erected in 1961 and finally torn down in 1989. It divided the country, both physically and ideological and its fall was a historical event. In this article we’re going to explore through various angles how the Berlin Wall affected Germany.
Political Impact
Berlin Wall was a symbol of Cold War, wall that separated East and West Germany. On the political front, it entailed a separation of the country into two different political systems:
- East Germany: It was a socialist government, modeled on the Soviet Union as the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
- West Germany: Comprised of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), it adopted a capitalist system with U.S. and other Western Allied support.
- The construction of the Berlin Wall had divided both the political sector, governance, economic policies and quality of life between East and West Germany.
Social Impact
For families and friends who were separated for years, there was a huge social impact on the German population in and surrounding Berlin and much around the world too who found out about this ‘wall.’ This physical barrier tore families apart and ended friendships. Life was hard, with visits and visits from East Germany prohibited, leading to endless emotional strain, and a sense that one was isolated.
The Wall also took away the educational opportunities. The curriculum was controlled by the government in East Germany and was about socialist ideals. Instead West Germany had a more liberal education system one which promoted critical thinking and debate on a wide range of issues.
Economic Impact
The division caused by the Berlin Wall created major economic disparities:
- East Germany: East Germany had a poor economy owing in most parts to limited trade opportunities, planned socialist policies which stifled innovation and entrepreneurship.
- West Germany: On the other hand, during this period West Germany underwent strong economic development, and became one of the main (if not THE main) European powers.
- Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, West Germany poured investment money into turning around its eastern neighbour to rebuild its economy and infrastructure—“die Wende”, “the turning point.” Many services were rebuilt and the two were brought closer economically.
Cultural Impact
The Berlin Wall also had a profound cultural impact on Germany:
Art and Expression: Political graffiti and artistic expression were found being sprayed onto the Wall. All over the world people wanted to leave their mark on this stark symbol of separation and traveled to Berlin to do so.
Music: There were many songs written by countless musicians on the coming unity and freedom that the fall of the Berlin Wall inspired. Roger Waters deliver’s one of his most iconic performances, “The Wall” by Pink Floyd.
Modern Germany and Reunification
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the reunification process:
- Reunification: On October 3, 1990, the two Germanies were united formally as one democratic country.
- Modern Germany: In the last two decades, there has been a great amount of dramatic transformations in Germany since reunification. Berlin, today capital of a united Germany, has risen to become a pole of art, culture and innovation.
- Along with these economic challenges came re-unification. Integration of the two economies proved difficult and there had to be substantial investment on part of West Germany. Germany today is one of the strongest economies in Europe, a country with manufacturing and technological power.
Conclusion
La signature de la Berliner Wand avait des résonances multiformes sur la Germanie. It involved all the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of the country. At the fall of the Wall, a true historic milestone came to an end, the divide in Germany ended, the path to reuniting, progress and further opportunity started.