The Berlin Wall, a haunting symbol of the Cold War, was dismantled amid jubilation on November 9, 1989. This historic event marked a turning point in world history, as it sealed the end of a divided Germany and brought hope for reunification. Let’s explore the circumstances surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall and the repercussions that followed.
The Rise of the Berlin Wall
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the victorious Allied powers: such countries as the United States of America, Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. Similarly for Berlin, which is located inside the Soviet zone of occupation was divided into east and west zones.
In the initial phases of the East/West conflict or the Cold War the relationship between the socialist super power USSR and the capitalist countries of the west deteriorated. Due to this, the communism authorities of East Berlin decided to act following the continuous migration of a policy of skilled workers as well as other professionals from East Germany to West Germany.
While trailing a separation line was set up on August 13, 1961 following the construction of the Wall which finally turned into the Berlin Wall. People were separated from their families and routine existence was disrupted as the East German regime tried hard not to let its population quit for the West.
The Actual and Theoretical Attributes of Berlin Wall
The construction of the wall stretched about 155km around West Berlin and separated citizens of this region from East Germany. It consisted of several components:
Concrete Wall:
The principle component of the Berlin Wall was a four-meter tall and eight meters wide barrier made of reinforced concrete, so getting through it was almost impossible. Dispensing posts gave the border soldiers’ constant over watch to ensure that nobody escaped or entered the kingdom.
Death Strip:
The space from the inside to the outer wall was called the Death Strip. There was also imprisonment where escape attempts were countered by booby traps, trenches made on the vehicle-free strips and dog runs.
Checkpoint Charlie:
It is known that the main crossing point between east and west Berlin was known as Checkpoint Charlie. This highly secured perimeter had a structure, which included passage from one side to the other for diplomats, military and foreign travelers.
The Historic Fall
It was over the years that the Berlin wall turned into a vivid exhibiton of the eastern and western split and subjection of freedom. But as the 1980s went on change started filtering through Europe.
In 1985, the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduced a number of reforms called perestroika and glasnost that changed political structure and promoted demand for democracy throughout the Eastern Bloc countries and the GDR.
Through series of non violent demonstrations and great pressure from the citizens, the east Germany authorities reluctantly opened the borders and allowed few persons to travel to the west. All of a sudden, as the night of November 9th, 1989 came to the East Germany, the government made an unexpected decision.
In an inadequate and ill-planned press conference press spokesman Günter Schabowski announced that GDR citizens would be permitted to travel to West Germany. What a shocking declaration this was to the whole nation and what a record number of persons flocked to the Berlin Wall.
The People Overwhelm the Wall
When these new travelling regulations were announced thousands of East Germans stormed border check points demanding to be let into West Berlin. Overstressed border officers attempted to bargain for directions but received mixed signals.
Finally, when the pressure came in and the crowd would not leave and, in fact, continued to increase, the guards then opened the gates. I think everyone will remember when East and West Germans embraced, climbed over the wall or stormed into each other’s arms.
The Aftermath
It will be seen that the consequences of the fall of the Berlin Wall were not just horrifically felt in Germany alone but in other far fetched nations as well. Which hastened disintegration of the Soviet bloc and on which the backdrop of the Cold War was finished. The two were reunified in October 1990 after three decades of division to symbolize the physical and political split that was common in those years.
Lessons Learned
The fall of the Berlin Wall reminds us of the power of perseverance, courage, and the indomitable spirit of individuals striving for freedom. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a constant reminder of the need to safeguard and protect the values of liberty and unity.
Today, remnants of the Berlin Wall can be found in various locations around the world, serving as poignant reminders of the struggles endured and ultimately overcome in the pursuit of freedom.
The fall of the Berlin Wall is a powerful reminder that change is possible even in the most seemingly impenetrable circumstances. It shows that the human spirit, united in a common cause, can achieve the unimaginable.
As we reflect on this watershed moment in history, let us never forget the importance of freedom, unity, and the power of hope to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
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