Introduction

From the end of World War II until the start of the 1990s, the world was ruled by the Cold War: that period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Berlin Wall, which was built in 1961, was a barrier of Berlin which divided Berlin and East, as it is a very crucial symbol of this conflict. This beginner’s guide will take us through the causes, events, and consequences of the Cold War, focusing particularly on the building and collapse of the Berlin Wall.

The Cold War

It was during the Cold War that the United States and the Soviet Union were in rivalry in terms of political, economic, and military. The two superpowers represented contrasting ideologies: the West'(capitalism and democracy) and the East'(communism). It led to proxy wars, arms races, and fear and distrust that became something of a climate.

The Causes of the Cold War

Most important was the ideological differences and in conflict with this were the national interests and power vacuum following the end of World War II. Each was trying to propagate his ideology and spread itself and its sphere of influence. The U.S, and the Soviet Union also had conflicting understandings of the post war settlement, and mistrust and hostility were the result.

Cold War Major Events

Many of the significant events that characterized the superpowers’ heightened tensions during the Cold War can be found. Spearheaded by the Marshall Plan, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, just to name a few major milestones, this conflict was one fought across the globe between nations, ideologies and forces that seemed only to be more dangerous than forerunners. These events could have global repercussions, as well as continuing the gap between East and West.

The Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a physical symbol of the Cold War division: a dividing line in the middle of Berlin, capital of Germany. In 1961 the Soviet Union ordered the building of the wall to stop East Germans fleeing to the West. West Berlin was enclosed by and partitioned from East Berlin and the surrounding East Germany by a wall 150 kilometers long.

The Berlin Wall was built.

Many were surprised by how soon the Berlin Wall went up. Thousands could not get through to their loved ones on the other side and families were divided. So, a literal wall of concrete, barbed wire and armed guard towers to act as a barrier to stop East Germans defecting to the West.

The Impact of the Berlin Wall

It had social, economic, and political consequences throughout Europe; and particularly in Berlin. Families and friends were separated, heavy restrictions put in place over communication, and a good effort made to imprison and even kill anyone attempting to cross the wall. The wall stood for the greater rift between the capitalist West and the communist East.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall unexpectedly fell as protesters and other demonstrators flooded to the streets. This was a key pivot point in history which ultimately brought about the reformation of Germany. The fall of the Berlin Wall was the end of the Cold War, and the victory of democracy and freedom over communism.

Conclusion

The Berlin wall and the Cold War are still historical landmarks. It helps us understand the causes, the events and the consequences of this period of history because we know that international relations are complex and ideologies matter. Today, the Berlin Wall is nothing more than a signpost to the enormous struggle and divide between people pursuing different political ideologies.