As you know Berlin Wall appeared in 1961; it became one of the greatest symbols and powerful influence for the political conditions in Germany and in Europe. This – it was an expression of the Cold War – set in as the construction of the separation created profound shifts in the foreign policy. In this article, the focus will be put on effects of the construction of the Berlin Wall and the actions of the West regarding the situation.

The Reaction of the First Moments and the beginning of condemnation

Finally, when ever the topic of Berlin Wall came to the picture, the western would be left very shocked. The separation of one whole city impressed the world and enraged political authorities. Across the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, condemnations and demands for the destruction of the wall were equally fast and unsubmissive.

To the western powers it was regarded as a ‘violation of the Postdam agreement reached in 1945.’ This was considered as an attack on the very idea of liberty and democracy which the west represents.

The Response from the United States

The United States appeared to be the leading advocate of democracy during the Cold War and therefore gave a strong response to the Berlin Wall. President John F. Kennedy described the barrier during his visit in Berlin in 1963 when he said “ Ich bin ein Berliner” he also supported the people of Berlin and referred to the barrier as an “ugly symbol of tyranny.”

After Kennedy’s speech the United States has undertaken certain actions to demonstrate its support to West Berlin. The aerial supply by day and night which characterized the early stages of the construction of the wall showing the resolve of the Western world to stand by the people of Berlin irrespective of the odds on the ground Define achievement.

Policies that Involve Political and or Economic Sanctions

But apart from verbal condemnation, West, the powers that formulated the Helsinki Accords, applied political and economic pressure on East Germany and the Soviet Union. These sanctions were meant to pass economic pressure on East Germany depriving it of its opportunities to operate internationally and put pressure on the authorities in order to destroy the wall.

The West also narrowed East Germans’ mobility by implementing measure and increasing the travel ban and visa imposition for the East Germans. This restriction of liberty depressed the sensation of the Berlin Wall being absolutely oppressive.

Hope and Solidarity

What began as a physical representation of East and West was also transfigured into one of hope and unity against the oppressive regime of the East Germans. The citizens of the west demonstrated, rallied and protested for the people of Berlin.

But the cold, unfeeling concrete symbol was challenged: each Christmas, or rather during the ‘Light of the Reich’ event that turned into yearly candle-lit gathering of West Berliners at the Brandenburg Gate, people faced the other side of the wall. This tradition was practised until the fall of the wall in 1989.

culture-progression and/or international relations

Nevertheless, the restricted physical access did not deter the West from finding out the best way through which they they could support the people of East Berlin in terms of culture. An example we have seen previously is The Free University of Berlin distinguished in West Berlin as for the purpose of offering educational to students from both East and West Berlin and behind the Berlin Wall.

Political endeavours done by the western powers to persuade the Soviet Union to bring down the wall. But it was not until 1989 and political transformations in the Eastern Bloc were well on their way that the Berlin Wall came down.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

The barbed-wire fences separating East and West Germany and the comunistic bloc countries come down by the end

of the eighties, the actual symbol of the victory collapsing on November 9th 1989. It was celebrated privately in the West as bringing an end to the Cold War as well as the reunification of Germany. As many were expecting it to be – it symbolized the efforts of the people who had waited for freedom and the end to division.

Conclusion

After the construction of the Berlin wall, the western world was provoked to act. First, there were shaken and outrage, then political and economical measures were taken against it. But at the very same time the West was also showing compassion, encouragement, and a desire to stay connected with the people of East Berlin. The break down of the Berlin Wall is one of the greatest victories of freedom against oppression making it symbol of hope and togetherness.