I do not think that I need to go in details about how the event of major historical importance has feature the construction of Berlin wall. This structure which lasted for nearly thirty years represented the degradation between east and west during the period of the cold war. In this article, the author will seek to establish when and how the Berlin Wall came into existence, how it was built and the effects it was to have on Germany, and the world, at large.
The Berlin Wall : Brief History
The roots of Berlin Wall were set soon after the end of the Second World War at the end of Termination Agreement signing between the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and France. After the war, they divided Germany into four zones each of which was to be administered by one of the super powers.
As tensions between the Allies and the Soviet Union grew, so did the divide between the two German states: Germany on divides into two namely the Federal Republic of Germany which was often referred to as West Germany and the later East Germany. This division brought about mass migration since more people moved to the western zone to enjoy the better living standards.
Fearing the loss of skilled labor, brains drain, and talented individuals the East German government under Walter Ulbricht had no option but to act. This they sought to do to also stop the brain drain, and preserve the socialism they stirred in the society.
THE Construction of the Berlin Wall is
The division physically by building the Berlin Wall started early in the morning on the 13th of August 1961. Starting from the barbed wire and mesh fence the defense system developed a new image. Constructed and maintained by the government of East Germany with help from the Soviet Union it extended to approximately 155 kilometers (96 miles) and was comprised of concrete blocks, watch towers packed with barbed wired electric fences and heavily guarded check points.
It destroyed families, friends and even separated the people of this city cutting it in two overnight. The wall enveloped West Berlin with the latter being surrounded by the East Germany territory. Consequences for those who tried to address the barrier, were severe – they could have been imprisoned or tortured and sometimes, they would die while trying to overcome the barrier which stood between them and freedom.
The Berlin Wall thus became an allegory of the div- ide between east and West, convenient yet gloomy. They wore the attire for freedom fighting, democracy and against communism, repression.
The Impact of the Berlin Wall
As will be revealed in this paper, the construction of the Berlin Wall had several consequences on different facets of life in both zones.
Political Consequences
In political terms, the wall established clear dividing line between democratic western powers and the communism of the eastern Europe being headed by the soviet union. This was a cold reminder of the tension and conflict that normally characterized the cold wars.
The United States supplied the people of West Berlin and constructed the Berlin Airlift in 1948 in order to support the citizens of the city. This largest airlift ever launched was aimed at supplying the people in West Berlin whenever the Soviets isolated them through a blockade of all routes. The construction of the wall had been used to show the difficulties encountered in that particular period.
Social and Economic Impact
We can argue that socially and economically the wall was a crucial moment for the people living on both sides of the sectors. Families and friends were then separated since those incarcerated were allowed to write letters or receive a visit occasionally under great supervision.
In East Germany this wall augmented the already restricted liberty and opportunity percentage of the people. The results are for the regime to intervene in daily life activities and citizens’ freedom of movement and expression was closely monitored.
At the same time in West Germany the wall was becoming a symbol of strength and progress. West Berlin being a city’ was immediately recognized as one of the world’s most significant centres for art, music and intellectual activity as people fled from the communism and oppression of the East.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The enthusiasm for freedom and desire for change that was accumulating in East Germany did not fit the spirit of the wall. In 1989 in East Germany, the government following months of demonstrations opened the border between East and West allowing people to cross freely.
A large number of East Berliner began streaming to the wall for greetings by their fellows from West Berlin. Some of them stood on the parapet with hammers and chisels in their hands to knock the concrete away. It was epoch-making event which marked the end of the Cold War and the reunion of Germany.
Conclusion
It is an excellent example of a wall built to separate people politically and, when the constructions weakened, share the experience of overcoming great adversities. Is it possible to state you have witnessed the wall and seen with your own eyes the struggle for freedom, the fight of people who dared to protest against the rulers?
Now, only a few sections of the Berlin Wall remain, and one can walk along the Berlin Wall and remain silent, think how many people died so that one day the wall would no longer divide people and that people would have freedom of speech and choice. By the story of the wall, the people are underlining the dominance of the divided World and their concerns about it, trying to find the ways to minimize the existed division.