The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier constructed in 1961 to divide the city of Berlin, Germany, into two separate parts: East Berlin which was part of the communist socialist East block under the Soviet Union influence and West Berlin the part of the divided city within the influence of the western democracies states. This wall became and icon of the separated two part of the world during the Cold War period.

1. The Cold War

The Cold War was the state of political warfare that developed after the end of Second World War between the US and its associated partners-the ‘West’ and with USSR and its associated partners called ‘East’. It was referred to as the “Cold” war because despite the constant rivalry between the two superpowers there was no direct military confrontation, the two fought a political-economic-war of attrition.

1.1 Division of Germany

After WW2 the country was divided into four zones controlled by the United States, Great Britain, France as well as USSR. Germany was also divided into four zones after World War II, and the city of Berlin in the Soviet-controlled zone of the country was also divided into four sectors to which ultimately was built the Berlin Wall.

2. The building of the Berlin Wall

Due to populations’ emigration to West Germany, the Soviet Union urged the government to build a barrier which is widely termed as the Berlin Wall. It was started on August 13, 1961 and extended for 155 kilometres (96 miles) throughout Berlin. It involved barbed wire and trench and the use of watchtowers, dogs, automatic weapons, and armed guard.

2.1 Separating Families and Groups

The construction of wall around Berlin separated families and friends that were affected and trapped on the East Berlin side. Several attempted at escape proved to be fatal since guards were given clear instructions to shoot anyone trying to cross this wall.

2.2 Checkpoints as well as Escape Efforts

Checkpoint Charlie one of the most famous crossing points will always remain infamous for housing different escape attempts. Again though some people were able to escape by using different techniques many others were caught, murdered or detained for their efforts.

3. Life with the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was an actual living divider between the East and the West and had an insurmountable psychological one as well. East Germany received very many restrictions on freedoms, limited contact to the western world and surveillance. However, West Berlin became the city of liberty and economical success story unlike the Eastern side.

3.1 Attempted Reunification

The eastern side of the Germany was still a symbol of oppression and the Berlin Wall for several years. But this deviation was conquered various events for example protests, demonstrations and pressure from international human rights organizations which later brought down the regime.

4. Fall of the Berlin Wall

Almost at the end of October in 1989, the East German government announced without informing its people that they could move out of East Germany. People began to push over sections of the wall and party at the location. This meeting came as a climactic point, which has triggered the reunion of Germany and moreover the overall solving of the Cold War issue.

4.1 Reunified Germany

After the collapse of the Berlin Wall Germany underwent the phenomenon of reunification. The reunification made Germany a single again with the city of Berlin as a capital city again.

5. Historical Significance

The division of people on their sides of the Berlin Wall became a symbol of Cold War itself, with the wall separating the East and West. It also caused the change of the map of the world for the democracy and freedom to triumph over the oppression.

5.1 Museums and Memorials

hiện nay, thành phố Berlin hiện có rất nhiều những dịch vụ/liệu hành hợp tác, tòm tụ trong đó còn bảo tàng và/hoặc di tích hủng bị Berlin Wall. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the East Side Gallery are among the popular sites that-one can take to to get a feel of this powerful ideological barrier at the height of the Cold War period.

Conclusion

This paper argues that the use of the Berlin Wall as the backdrop created the reality of division between East and West during the Cold War period. Despite following its construction and subsequent fall it is hard to underestimate its impact on Germany and the world as the symbol of freedom and democracy conquering oppression. Knowledge of its context is req ui And thus, to comprehend the st akfor those in East/West Berlin during the respective period.