The Genesis of the Cold War
The construction of the Berlin Wall, which stood as a symbol of the Cold War division for almost three decades, was not a singular decision made by a single person. To understand why and how the Berlin Wall came into existence, it is essential to delve into the political backdrop of the Cold War.
The Key Players
While the construction of the Berlin Wall involved various parties, two prominent figures played a significant role in the decision-making process. They were the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and the East German leader Walter Ulbricht.
Nikita Khrushchev, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, advocated for the construction of the wall as a means to halt the mass emigration of people from East Germany to West Germany. The constant migration threatened the stability and ideological influence of the East German regime.
Nikita Khrushchev
Walter Ulbricht, the General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) and the leader of East Germany, echoed Khrushchev’s concerns about the exodus of skilled professionals, intellectuals, and young workers attracted by the opportunities in the capitalist West.
Walter Ulbricht
Rising Tensions and the Decision
The incident that ultimately triggered the construction of the Berlin Wall was the Vienna Summit in June 1961. During the summit, Khrushchev made clear his intentions to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West. Sensing Soviet support, Ulbricht became convinced that building a physical barrier was necessary.
A Sudden and Drastic Move
The decision to erect the Berlin Wall wasn’t a measure taken overnight. In fact, it was executed with remarkable speed. On the night of August 12-13, 1961, East German soldiers, backed by Soviet authorities, began the construction of the wall. The initial purpose was to prevent unauthorized crossings from East to West Berlin.
The Wall Takes Shape
Initially, the wall was a simple barbed wire fence, but it quickly evolved into a complex system spanning approximately 155 kilometers. It included concrete walls, watchtowers, anti-vehicle trenches, and a buffer zone known as the “death strip.” The construction aimed to deter any escape attempts, cutting off nearly any possibility of fleeing to the West.
The International Reaction
The sudden and unexpected construction of the Berlin Wall caused shockwaves globally. Western leaders and citizens condemned the actions taken by the East German and Soviet authorities, perceiving it as a violation of human rights and proof of the failures of communism.
Escaping the Wall
Over the years, many East Germans attempted to escape across or around the Berlin Wall. Some tried to dig tunnels, others risked their lives climbing or jumping over the barriers, and some even used hot air balloons or improvised ziplines. While some succeeded, many others lost their lives or faced imprisonment.
Conclusion
The decision to build the Berlin Wall was a coordinated effort between Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and East German leader Walter Ulbricht. The primary motivation behind this decision was the loss of skilled labor and a growing ideological threat to the East German regime. The construction of the wall was a drastic and dramatic measure that ultimately became a stark symbol of the Cold War. Its impact on the lives of Germans and the geopolitical landscape cannot be underestimated.
Table of Contents
