Introduction

One of the most famous check points of Cold War period was the Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany. It was opened for the USSR’s East Berlin side and closed for Allies’ West Berlin side from 1961 to 1990. This checkpoint became an important representation of the division between East and West at one of the most dramatic times in global history.

The Historical Significance

Checkpoint Charlie became popular because of its location and because of the Berlin Wall had been built there. West Germany was formed after 1945 after Germany was divided into four zones run by the US, the USSR, UK, and France. Berlin which is inside the Soviet zone was also divided into four sectors. The barrier was built in 1961 when the East German authorities wanted to limit people’s crossings between East and West Berlin.

Checkpoint Charlie became the main border crossing through which diplomats, military personnel and foreign visitors with visa could pass into East Berlin. It was the symbol of the clash of ideas of the communists and democrats. The checkpoint was highly secured to make a symbol of conflict between the two super powers.

The Iconic Checkpoint

Checkpoint Charlie was a small wooden house, a barrier made of concrete and a sign ‘You are now leaving the American sector’. This checkpoint was manned by the American, British and French Military forces. The Wall divided each neighborhood into two parts, but it was one of the few areas where people could freely switch from East to West or vice versa.

Today a copy of the original guard house and sign is still present if you wish to visit checkpoint Charlie. Today the checkpoint is a wonderful attraction for tourists and offers a great deal of information concerning cold war history.

Daring Escapes and Tensions

Some of the most famous escape incidents were reported by Checkpoint Charlie since people used any means to try and escape East Berlin to West. Some people attempted to sneal into the country in spare tire compartments, wearing false ids while a few attempted to dig underground tunnels to the checkpoint.

One of the most famous was that of East German border guard Conrad Schumann. Checkpoint Charlie: In November 1961 in the process of the Wall’s building, he escaped over barbed wire at this checkpoint. This photograph automatically became an embodiment of yearning for freedom among African Americans.

Checkpoint Charlie Museum

Checkpoint Charlie Museum, opened in 1963 was chosen to show the stories of the individuals who tried to flee from East Berlin and learn more about the period of the Cold war. Museum contains different exhibits, photos and eyewitness stories which allow people to realize how people suffered under totalitarian regimes at the time.

It is therefore refreshing that a visit to the museum is an exciting and engaging process. The exhibitions depict how great tricks were used by the escapees, as well how the recipients of the smuggled objects faced dire consequences in the event they were caught. It gives a glimpse of the great courage and effort people were willing to make to be free.

Tip: Plan Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum you will need couple of hours to see all the exhibits properly. It is recommended that one should ascertain the operation of the museum and also book tickets since there may be long lines to be served especially during the high demand seasons. Another thing to take with you or better still, join a group tour to help you explain what you are seeing.

Conclusion

Checkpoint Charlie is historical evidence of Berlin and the cold war. It was both the theatre of war: the division between East and West, and saw many instances of courage and despair. Nowadays, the checkpoint is still exists which gives people memories of suffering those who ever tried to live in the divided city.

I assure that the visiting of Checkpoint Charlie and the museum made me understand better this Period in history and the consequences of the necessity of freedom and the human ability to survive. This is a good reminder that people are fully capable of beating the odds regardless of how stacked they are against them.