Here’s our complete Berlin Wall and Cold War guide. In this article, we will discuss the construction, division, impact and fall of this historic landmark. Let’s dive in!

1. Background of the Cold War

The Cold War was an era of confrontation, or more accurately rivalry, between the United States and the Soviet Union. The period covered was from the end of World War II in 1945 to the early 1990s. One aspect of this ideological conflict affected virtually all aspects of global politics, from the division of Germany to the division of earth.

2. The Reasons for the Berlin Wall

After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers: the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and France. The capital city, Berlin, was also divided into four sectors. But tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union moved fast.

The German Federal Republic (West Germany) was founded in 1949 and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in the Soviet zone. Economic and political difficulties plagued the East German government because many of them started emigrating to the West, in search of better living conditions.

With Soviet backing, the East German government decided to build a barrier dividing East from West Berlin to slow the mass exodus.

3. The Berlin Wall was constructed and what features it had.

On August 13, 1961 the Berlin Wall was being built. It had a concrete wall topped with barbed wire, watchtowers and anti-vehicle trenches. At 155 km long, the wall encircled West Berlin and separated West Berlin from East Germany completely.

The wall was initially simple barriers, then became more complex. It was several layers and would have been a complete mess to try and cross. Both the East German authorities and its people tried to escape using armed guards and dogs to prevent such attempts.

4. Impact of the Berlin Wall

4.1. Isolated Communities, 1. Divided Families

In particular, the building of the Berlin Wall was devastating for families and communities living on either side. This physical barrier tore families apart overnight, separated friends, divided communities. For decades, many East Germans lost contact with relatives and loved ones on the other side of the wall.

4.2 Symbol of the Cold War

Soon, the Berlin Wall became the symbol of the Cold War and of division between East and West. The Iron Curtain and the ideological conflict it represented were visually represented by it.

4.3 Attempts to Escape

The wall was not unbreachable, and hundreds of East Germans tried to get over or under it. One used homemade hot air balloons, the other dug tunnels to the West. But the risk was taken, and many people died trying to be free.

5. Fall of the Berlin Wall

Political changes and growing public disquiet pushed the government during the 1980s. In a historic event on November 9, 1989, the government stated that its citizens could freely cross the border. The wall that had kept East and West Germans apart for almost three decades came down, as East and West Germans celebrated together.

6. Legacy and Lessons Learned

The fall of the Berlin Wall was a dramatic point in world history. It signaled a wrap up to the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. Remnants of the wall are a reminder of battles fought by people in divided societies for freedom, unity, and equality.

Conclusion

The Berlin Wall wasn’t just a physical wall, it was a wall in opposition between two different political ideologies. Important parts of the Cold War history is its impact, construction and fall. By understanding why the Berlin Wall was important, we gain insight as to why open borders, human rights and freedom are all so important.