West Berlin was not a communist entity. Before examining Berlin’s political landscape during the Cold War we must first know how Germany was divided in two after World War II.
The Division of Germany
After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the victorious Allied powers: After World War 2 German occupation authority fell to four powers: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. The Soviet-occupied area became East Germany so the other three occupation zones joined together to establish West Germany.
The Division of Berlin
Occupiers split Berlin into four sections that corresponded directly with their military sectors of governance. Berlin’s postwar division defied the general East/West split of Germany. Same as Germany’s regional split, Berlin also formed into East and West regions with the Soviet Union ruling East Berlin and Western powers managing West Berlin.
West Berlin sat inside East Germany’s borders as a separate protected area. While Western powers backed democratic leadership in West Berlin the Soviet Union took charge of communist rule in both East Berlin and East Germany.
The Ideological Differences
As a component of West Germany West Berlin chose democratic governance and capitalist structures. The western part of Berlin focused on free markets surrounded by personal liberties and support for different political views. Following World War II the Western Allies funded West Berlin’s rehabilitation while protecting its democratic foundations.
The Socialist Unity Party ruled East Berlin as they controlled every area of East Germany. Soviet socialism dictated both the economy and society by restricting freedom of expression while leaders controlled all aspects of daily life.
The Berlin Wall
Under Soviet Union guidance the East German administration set up the Berlin Wall in 1961 to halt people moving from East to West. Berlin’s eastern separation barrier became a physical barrier that isolated families and stopped people from traveling between East and West Berlin.
Life in West Berlin
West Berlin succeeded as a stronghold of democratic freedoms while being isolated inside East Germany. West Berlin showcased Western values successfully which drew a large number of young people and talented individuals to its city.
West Berliners lived better with more affordable products while experiencing rich cultural events near them. The West German government and world powers gave large financial help to the city.
Reunification
The failure of the Berlin Wall system started Germany on its journey back to one unified nation. Both German parts united into one state during 1990. As the Berlin Wall’s influence vanished West Berlin united with Germany and became part of the Federal Republic.
Conclusion
West Berlin was not communist. As a democratic pocket in communist East Germany West Berlin stands for free market economics and personal liberties. The city stood apart from the rest of Germany because West Berlin represented two sides fighting in the Cold War.