The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was built by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to prevent the migration of East Germans to West Germany. The construction of the wall had significant implications for the Cold War, a geopolitical conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. This article explores the impact of the Berlin Wall on the Cold War and its subsequent fall.
The Political Dimension
The Wall only increased existing superpower tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union and made the situation worse. It served as a signpost to the ideological and political chasm between the capitalist west and the communist east. Moreover, the Wall added to the complexity of the Cold War prejudice.
Increased Militarization
The Berlin Wall created greater militarization along both sides of the barrier or, in some cases, only one side. The United States and NATO allies raised military protections on West Germany; the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact allies toughened their East Germany. The addition of this military build up served to increase tension and increase the probability of armed conflict between the two blocs.
Escalation of Proxy Conflicts
However, the Berlin wall also had direct influence on proxy conflicts all over the world. The superpowers turned various regions as arenas of their proxy wars, to assert their influence and hyping ideologies in service to which they also used them as battleground. One of these conflicts was Vietnam War and Korean War was fuelled by rivalry between US and the Soviet Union.
The Human Dimension
While political consequences were drawn by beholding the Berlin Wall, the very existence and life of ordinary individuals on the two sides of Germany was also changed by it.
Limited Freedom of Movement
The Berlin Wall cut people’s freedom and opportunities to travel short for East Germans. The communism regime separated families from families, and the East Germans faced social and economic stifling under it. It was a physical serving of their restricted liberties.
Symbol of Resistance
However, instead, the Berlin Wall was a symbol of resistance and freedom. The Wall was an ever present representation of divisions, and the unity desired. The barrier was breached over the years in many escape attempts, some successful, some fatal, as evidence of the determination of people to get over a barrier.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
1989 signified the ‘turning point’ of the Cold War ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Political Reunification
Political unrest in East Germany took its toll on them. The peaceful protests and demonstrations for political reforms grew bigger and more powerful. Lastly, the East German government finally gave to the pressure from public, the border checkpoints were opened. It marked the beginning of the East and West Germany unification.
End of the Cold War
The Berlin Wall collapse was the end of an era Cold War. It was a symbol of the communism as a political system as a failure at its ultimate, and a victory of democratic principles. The collapse of the physical barrier, along with the barriers of mistrust and suspicion, reunited families and friends and brought renewed hope that more peace, more lasting cooperation, was possible between former foes.
Conclusion
The Cold War course was shaped by the Berlin Wall. The United States and the Soviet Union both made the cold war bitter and worse—its construction deepened the divide between them, and heightened tensions. The Wall had an impact on peoples’ lives in East and West Germany, it also changed political relations between East and West Germany. It will be remembered as an important moment, the end of the Cold War, a new basis for opening up to an era of cooperation.