You surely must have some idea on the Berlin wall but let me remind you that Berlin Wall was barrier constructed and existing between East and West Berlin during the cold war. Once it loomed over the city from 1961-1989 dividing the world into West and East. Huge numbers of people tried to flee from East Berlin to West Berlin, and while some of them managed to do it, it was far from safe. Crossing the Berlin Wall down to the techniques will therefore be the focus of this blog as the subsequent sections of this blog will show.
1. Tunneling
Tunneling was one of the popular means Wade used in attempts to escape from East Berlin. Some courageous people and groups succeeded in marking passages that led under the Berlin Wall so anyone could get through on their belly. These tunnels were usually dug in confined areas, for instance in basements or in behind walls or floors. There was need to plan and have some expertise in order not to be noticed by the East Germans guards at the border.
2. Hot Air Balloons
A few the more adventurous inmates even built small hot air balloon and sailed over the Berlin Wall. These balloons were made using different things including nylon sheets and propane gas cylinders. To avoid being overtaken the escapees had to make sure that the balloons are large enough to transport them over the barrier but not large enough to attract attention. They pointed out that timing was important bearing in mind that the group could meet border guards on the ascent.
3. Repelling
Another activity used by people wishing to overcome the berlin wall was what is referred to as rappelling. This was done by employing ropes / home made grappling hooks to abssel down from high rise buildings adjacent to the said wall on the western side. When they reached the eastern part, one would then either disguise himself or herself with the population or else look for a nearby hole and cover his/her head to avoid being seen by the border police.
4. Border Checkpoint Strategies
A few escapees chose to commit trespass at the Berlin wall by crossing through official borders. The following actions have been used by people to employ some of the following techniques to avoid being apprehended by border guards. For instance, they would feign to be tourists in an organized group, or have fake official papers as usual travelers. The fact that the attack was unexpected and that the real actors did a good job were still important for these tactics to be effective. However, when crossing at checkpoint, there was high risk because the border guards were always on the lookout for such persons.
5. Help from Others
Murphy stated that it is often depicted how many escapees got help from others in wanting to overcome the Berlin Wall. People would help in any way needed, whether it was information, a ride or a place to stay would come from friends, family, and strangers. Other structures included underground connections which provide safe hide out and advice on how to go about escaping.
Final Thoughts
The Berlin Wall was very serious barrier but individuals in their struggle for a free life attempted to bring out the best in they physically come over the barrier. These were deliberate actions most of which were done in consultation with other people. There would be tremendous value in recalling the courage and the bloodshed that were invested by ordinary people in striving to be free and to find a decent life for themselves while analyzing the ways to dismantle the Berlin Wall it is important to remember history and pain of people who had to live with the Wall. Currently Berlin wall, is a symbol of unity and liberation.
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