During the Cold War period the Berlin Wall functioned as a wall to split Berlin into eastern and western parts from 1961 through 1989. The barrier physically divided Soviet-controlled East Berlin from West Berlin under American, British and French administration
- History of the Cold War Period
During the Cold War years after World War II the United States and Soviet Union battled each other for global power. During this period nations clashed over different beliefs as indirect fights took place between support groups and both sides worked to build nuclear weapons rapidly. Germany’s division into two parts created worsening hostilities that finally triggered the Berlin Wall’s construction.
- After the war East Germany started building the Berlin Wall to block people from moving to the West.
On August 13th 1961 East Germany began building the Berlin Wall with barbed wire fences, concrete blocks, watchtowers and deep trenches. The main goal was to stop East Germans from leaving to go live in the rich and free West Germany.
2.1 Building the Berlin Wall transformed both Berlin’s residents and its areas of the city.
Building the Berlin Wall transformed the everyday life of the people who lived there. People lost their loved ones and their basic freedom once the Berlin Wall started separating the city. People felt deeply troubled when they learned life had split Berlin into two separate cities.
- The Berlin Wall Split Each Side of Berlin into Its Own World
Life in East and West Berlin showed clear variations because the two areas ran on different political systems and economic plans.
3.1 East Berlin
The communist government in East Berlin regulated all parts of everyday existence for residents. The government supplied minimum essentials to everyone but denied personal rights to its people. The state planned East Berlin’s economy but could not ensure its citizens had enough essential supplies. The secret police Stasi maintained surveillance over all East Berliners which resulted in people living in constant fear and suspicion of one another.
3.2 West Berlin
West Berlin sat inside East Germany yet maintained the capitalist economy and democracy of free society. The society experienced financial success with supportive rules for personal liberties. The lifestyle differences between these two parts of Berlin made clear how Cold War beliefs separated people.
- People tried to break out of East Germany by crossing through the wall.
To stop people from escaping the Berlin Wall used surveillance from watch towers and soldiers alongside lethal security devices. Despite dangerous repercussions East Germans took big risks to escape through the wall in search of freedom.
4.1 Tunnels
Residents used hidden underground tunnels to get past wall protection. East German escape seekers tunneled their way through the border barrier more than 70 times as part of a route that routed 300 people to safety.
4.2 Hot Air Balloons
Residents launched simple hot air balloon transports to carry them across borders. For several individuals seeking freedom it became essential to take such risks.
- The Fall of the Berlin Wall
During this period Germany became increasingly tense from growing demands on either side of its division. The East German government suddenly declared on November 9th 1989 that its citizens were free to travel between East and West Germany. The public stood at the wall anticipating its destruction while starting to break it down together.
5.1 Reunification of Germany
The Berlin Wall’s destruction reshaped all human progress. On October 3rd, 1990 East and West Germany united bringing both the Cold War and Soviet Union to its end.
- The Legacy of the Berlin Wall
Today we remember the Berlin Wall as an historical event that changed both Germany and the world. We still remember today how breaking apart people and nations creates suffering and blocks the path to freedom.
6.1 Memorial Sites
Places like the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery display memories of the Berlin Wall in official sites throughout the city. These sites keep alive the story of those affected and show people why they should stand united.
6.2 Symbol of Freedom
The Berlin Wall’s destruction demonstrates how human determination and liberty aspirations can defeat all resistance. Western countries achieve their goals by achieving this decisive moment that signals the end of this time period.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall represents the physical barrier between East and West during Cold War hostility. People’s battles and successes surface in the history of how the wall was built and torn down. People today use the Berlin Wall to show others the need for unification and to chase after freedom.