The Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War and division did stand between East and West Berlin for over nearly three decades. It was meant to stop the people of the Soviet Union from leaving to its Western section, that is to say, the Western section of the city. Building the difficult and divisive wall project changed thousands of people’s life.
Background: Berlin Torn apart
But after World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones (which Berlin, its capital, was divided), and London, Washington, Moscow, and Paris continued to control their own zones in Germany. This separation of the Soviet Union from the Western Allies sprang tension and ideological divorces.
The Choice of Wall Construction
The Soviet Union looked for a fix as more people left East Germany for West Germany. Supported by the Soviet Union, the East German administration decided to go extreme and build a physical barrier separating the city on August 12, 1961.
The Construction Method
Built under cover of darkness to stifle opposition or public outcry, the building of the Berlin Wall was a very guarded secret. The method was:
- Sending construction workers and troops into darkness to preserve silence.
- Building a barrier rapidly with pre-fabricated concrete slabs, barbed wire, and other components.
- Building checkpoints along the wall and guard towers.
A physical separation started within a few hours, isolating the city and its people.
Effect of the Berlin Wall
- The building of the Berlin Wall had significant effects on Berliners, East and West alike:
For people from East Berlin:
- The wall split families and friends, therefore prohibiting their unfettered cross-over from one side to the other.
- Once the wall was erected, many East Berliners discovered their job possibilities were restricted.
- The wall forbade East Berliners from visiting the more democratic and affluent West Berlin, therefore restricting their freedom of movement.
For those from West Berlin:
- Among West Berliners who woke up to discover their city and loved ones split apart, the abrupt split of the city set up surprise and dismay.
- Building the wall heightened Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Allies.
- Further isolating West Berlin, the wall blocked cultural connection and trade between the two sectors, therefore hindering East Berlin.
Fall of the Berlin Wall
With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Cold War era came to end. The result of nonviolent demonstrations and political reforms was the opening of the border and final Germany’s reunion.
Ancestral and Teachings
The Berlin Wall’s building and eventual collapse act as a reminder of the human cost of separation and the need of freedom and unity. It is evidence of the force people have when they pursue liberty and equality.
Although the Berlin Wall is only a relic from the past, its influence on history and the lessons it presents last. Knowing its background guarantees that such divisions are not replicated and allows us to shape our shared memories.
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