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The Impact of the Fall of the Berlin Wall on the Cold War

by | Mar 7, 2024 | World War Tour Berlin

In 1989 the Berlin Wall’s downfall made big changes to Germany’s history and the Cold War’s direction. Following its destruction the Berlin Wall changed dramatically as it divided former communist East Berlin from capitalist West Berlin. We will examine what happened in the Cold War when the Berlin Wall fell.

Background: The Cold War

During World War II’s aftermath the United States and Soviet Union clashed in an ideological and political power struggle that lasted until 1991. Military buildup coupled with economic rivalry occurred while both superpowers tried to convince people across the world about their political beliefs and approach.

During 1961 East Germany built the Berlin Wall to contain people from moving out of East Berlin.

In 1961 East German authorities helped by the Soviet Union built the Berlin Wall to keep people from traveling between East and West Berlin. The physical barrier separated both neighborhoods and neighborhoods within Berlin. During decades the partition between communist eastern Europe and capitalist western Europe served as a despised symbol of Cold War separation.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

Following strict travel ban rules in East Berlin ended on November 9, 1989. On November 9 Guter Schabowski made a mistake when he said border controls would end right then. The people of East Germany gathered at the wall and asked for entry into West Berlin. When thousands of people kept demanding access across the border border officials finally gave up.

Impact on the Cold War

After the fall of Berlin Wall the Cold War transformed from its existing path to a different conclusion. Here are some key impacts:

1. Symbolic End of the Cold War

The breaking down of Berlin’s Wall ended the historic divider between Eastern and Western countries. People saw communism die and democracy succeed which changed how power was distributed between West and East.

2. German Reunification

Germany united as one nation after the wall fell. In 1990 East and West Germany joined forces to create one stronger unified country. By uniting Germany in 1990 the Soviet Union lost influence across Europe.

3. Spread of Democracy

When the Berlin Wall fell pro-democracy groups across Eastern Europe organized to break free from Soviet control. Through reunification Poland changed Czechoslovakia and Hungary broke free of Soviet domination ending socialist rule across Eastern Europe.

4. End of Nuclear Arms Race

As a result of the Berlin Wall’s collapse the United States and Soviet Union saw their warming relationship progress further. When conflict reduced the United States and the Soviet Union started new agreements to control their military resources. The end of the wall let people feel more protected from dangerous nuclear confrontations.

5. Economic Integration

When the wall came down East and West Germany started trading together as one economic unit. By funding reconstruction of East Germany’s economy West Germany helped communist nations grow faster.

Conclusion

When the Berlin Wall came down it created powerful effects during the Cold War. By eliminating the wall’s boundaries the change brought together capitalist and communist areas helped unite Germany and sparked democratic efforts across Europe while decreasing nuclear pressure and creating common economic ground. This historic moment needs full attention to show how the Cold War ended.

The Impact of the Fall of the Berlin Wall on the Cold War