During the Cold War the Berlin Wall acted as a barrier between East and West Berlin nations. After starting construction in 1961 the wall existed for 28 years until workers tore it down in 1989. Although the wall is now gone the history it created remains important. Our article explains the Berlin Wall’s actual location and explains its impact on the city.
The Divided City
During World War II’s aftermath America, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union divided Germany into their own separate zones for oversight. The Soviet region of Berlin divided into four areas just like the rest of Germany. The Soviet sector developed into East Berlin with West Berlin emerging as a single district despite its three western sections.
Location of the Berlin Wall
Berliner Mauer ran mostly along West Berlin borders to split the city from its Eastern parts and East Germany. The barrier ran 96 miles right through the middle of the city.
You can see the path of the Berlin Wall on a map through two parallel lines across the city center. The map shows the original route of the concrete barrier that made up the wall. West Berlin was completely encompassed by this barrier which featured numerous checkpoints and observation towers throughout its security system.
One remaining Berlin Wall section continues as an outdoor gallery at the East Side Gallery site. Strung across Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg the open-air gallery houses public artwork created by international artists. This section displays unforgettable history and importance of the wall.
Effects of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall influenced both the city and everyone who lived there. Let’s take a look at some of the effects it had:
Political Division
The physical barrier split Berlin into two parts which apart families and restricted freedom movement between East and West German regions. Communism and democracy remained separate across a symbolic divide that symbolized the Cold War.
Escaping East Berlin
People tried to leave East Berlin for Western territory numerous times while the wall remained standing. East Berlin residents experimented with underground tunneling tools while trying to conceal themselves in automobile compartments. Defense enhancements made the area around the wall nearly impossible for people to break out successfully.
Checkpoint Charlie
Propelled to worldwide fame Checkpoint Charlie stood near Berlin’s busy center as a crossing point between East and West. During Cold War times the site worked as a museum to teach about its tense past.
You can see the Berlin Wall’s history today at dedicated locations.
While the physical wall no longer exists, there are several places where you can learn about its history and its impact on the city:
The Berlin Wall Memorial
Visitors to Bernauer Strasse can explore the wall’s division history at the memorial site. The memorial displays protected wall sections plus exhibition space and archival materials in a single area.
DDR Museum
The DDR Museum lets you try daily activities from East Germany through hands-on exhibits. The monument reveals important details about the effect of the wall and East German life by showing visitors an uncommon understanding of the city’s division.
The Topography of Terror
At the SS and Gestapo headquarters location the exhibition explores Berlin’s Nazi past and the walls emergence. The exhibition delivers essential information about how the wall developed its presence in preventing division of Berlin.
Conclusion
Berlin existed in two parts throughout its city walls which both separated physical space and belief systems. People continue to experience the impact of the wall today even though it has been destroyed long ago. To fully grasp Berlin Wall history you need to experience its last standing remnants and memorial landmarks.