The Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of the Cold War era, was a physical and ideological divide that stood tall in the heart of Berlin for more than a quarter of a century. Constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1961, it separated East Berlin from West Berlin, cutting through the city like a painful scar.
The Construction of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was first built as the means by which the GDR could prevent people from emigrating from the East Germany to the West Germany. In the East dissatisfaction and the brain-drain compromised the economic stability and political authority of the GDR. On August 12, 1961 at night,soldiers and civilians erected this wall with the consent of the Eastern Germany government. With barb wires, concrete and any other materials they managed to build a barrier which Elbow separated families, friends and even our beloved ones.
Structural form and design of the Wall
Actually, the first barrier was simple barbed wire along concrete blocks and this was the beginnings of the Berlin Wall. Eventually the wall changed over time and was adapted and made more massive than before. The last configuration of the wall consisted of concrete segments; barbed wire fencing; electrified fences; dog runs; watchtowers; and a broad Death Strip. The outer perimeter of the wall was writing and painting which depicted the freedom and the dreams of reunification.
The People Affected
When the Berlin Wall was constructed it had severing the city actually and not only separating families but breaking the lives of so many countless people. The wall raised a lot of fear since individuals were confined by the wall from their families, homes and sources of income. East Berlin citizens were also lucky to undergo severing limitations on movements, surveillance, and little or no opportunities.
Letting Go and Letting Die
The wall posed a lot of risks and threats that it is surprising to note that many people tried to flee through this border. While some others were getting across the wall by any means they could lay their hands on including climbing over, digging under or flying over the wall in dilapidated aircraft. Sadly, too, many escape attempts became a failure, caused injuries or death among the slaves. That wall became a frequent screen image associated with the theme of the Cold War and the oppression of people who sought freedom.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The division of East and West was embodied by this most well-known barrier of the Cold War era. However, since the early of 1980s, severe political shifts emerged and from this time, the further fate of the wall started getting altered. Albeit, in 1989, this state mute according to some literatures assertions of nonviolent action resurfaced in east Berlin and other parts of East Germany. With this build up of pressures the East German government made the historic announcement on November 9, 1989 that barriers would be removed on travel.
Celebration and Reunification
The Travel Advisory was lifted, which elicited a great feeling of happiness and disbelief. It was seen, that thousands of East Berliners burst at the border crossing points with an impetus of desire to cross. The guards complained that too many people were coming through and they could not contain them anymore, they opened the gates. The demolition of Berlin Wall signified the change in the world and political situation, and was the end of the Cold War. What was once intended to create a wall of division in people had instead united them.
The Legacy of the Berlin Wall
While the physical barrier that was the Berlin Wall lasted only 28 years it has been felt and noticed till the present day. The breaking down of wall made a way for reunification of Germany that was made official on 3rd of October, 1990. To understand where division leads and where unification and freedom start, the wall is there to make people see the difference.
Historical Significance and Tourist Attractions
Today, parts of the Berlin Wall still stand as a memorial and a testament to the human spirit. The East Side Gallery, a section of the wall covered in murals by artists from around the world, is a popular tourist attraction. The Berlin Wall Memorial and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum offer further insights into the history and impact of this historic structure.
In conclusion, the Berlin Wall stood for a total of 28 years, from 1961 to 1989, dividing a city, families, and a nation. Its fall not only marked the dismantling of a physical barrier but also symbolized the demise of a political divide that had long plagued Germany. The story of the Berlin Wall and its eventual fall remains a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit and the quest for freedom.
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