Focusing on large-scale history making processes, it is hard to find a subject that can be compared to the Berlin Wall. A symbol of division not only a city but the whole nation; the wall was built in the centre of Germany’s capital. In this article, the author will highlight the history of the Berlin Wall starting from how it was built, how it was constructed and how it came down.
The Origins of Division
The Berlin Wall can be organized back to the period of the Second World War in 1945. Germany was defeated and as agreed was divided into four zones administered by the US, the USSR, Great Britain and France. Likewise, similar to Western and Eastern Europe, Berlin too was partitioned into four sectors but all, of course, situated in the Soviet sector. However, after the WWII, the relationships between the Allied partners began deteriorate: ideological differences appeared, cold war started between the USA and USSR.
Further fueled by the growth of the western part of Germany, which since 1949 began adopting capitalist policies, the east part of Germany, governed by the Soviet Union, began to fall behind. This economic divergence along with the need to avoid continued emigration of thousands of East Germans to their richer counterparts in the West made societies build one.
The Construction of the Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall was built on the night of August 12, 1961 in accordance to the directives from the East Germany government. What began as a barrier developed into a solid wall and won end to separate East and West Berlin and measured 96 miles. This wall was made up of concrete segments, barbed wire and evaluated check points which grew in stature and architectural design as shown below.
Analyzing the Role and Consequences of The Berlin Wall
The main purpose of this barrier – the Berlin Wall was to stop people, mainly, GDR residents, from coming into the West. Every day thousands of East Germans were fleeing the country free from political oppression, poverty, and for the American dream. What follows is an account of this wall, which was built by the East Germany government to prevent this sort of mass emigration and affirm its hold on the populace.
The Berlin Wall split not only families but also friends and relatives who were not able to talk for years and even meet each other. It felt symbolic of the bitter resentment of Cold War during which ideological cultures of two super powers posed a serious threat to international peace.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The concrete barrier in Berlin, also known as the Berlin wall was for nearly three decades the emblem of global separation, control and the continued Cold War. However, over the time as the new decade 1980 opened up political changes along with social disturbance in East Germany led to the way for a possible reunification.
Last but not the least, on the night of September 11, 1989, the Berlin Wall opened after days and weeks of pressure of non-violent demonstrations and with a misunderstood government signal. Everyone moved in unison, hundreds of thousands of people from East and West: families, friends, and strangers were finally able to cross the border.
Signifying the prelude to the unwinding of the Cold War context, the Berlin Wall came crashing down. It was the titanic jubilant instant and liberation over suppression that the people are capable of instigating change and solidarity.
Closing Thoughts
The building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 was a significant event in the cold war which shows the role of political systems in people’s lives. For about twenty-seven years, this wall served as a symbol of ethnic bigotry and dominance. But one night back in 1989 the Berlin Wall fell during that night owing to the pressure of the people for freedom and integrity.
The example of the persons who freed them from the divisions by the fall of the Berlin Wall is an example that walls can be torn down figuratively and literally in a peaceful manner if there are certain common goals which people are afraid of. That makes humanity strong and resisting all the ordeals that are thrown at it.
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