Introduction

The most famous divide of the cold war was constructed in Germany to divide east and west Berlin known as the Berlin Wall. Built by the German Democratic Republic usually called the East Germany this barrier influenced the lives of the people in Berlin and the nations for the time it stood.

Facts relating to the Construction of the Berlin Wall

In view of the rising social conflict that accompanied emigration from East to West Germany, the barrier known as the Berlin Wall was constructed on 13 August 1961. The publicly declared intention of the GDR’s construction was to prevent the penetration of imperialism and fascists from the West. But It mainly used as a tool to discourage citizens from immigrating to west Germany.

The Wall’s Structure

Contrary to many images and depictions, the Berlin Wall was not a single, long running structure, but a system of barriers. The most basic parts were two walls made of concrete; in between them, there was the ‘death strip’- a secured and heavily secured zone. The death strip was enclosed with watchtowers, had anti-biking trenches, ground sensors, and guards with automatic weapons. Moreover, the East Berliners were searched and their passports were examined at many different check-points to West Berlin.

Addressing the Quality of Life of Berliners

The effects due to the construction of the Berlin wall can be almost felt in the everyday existence of the residents of Berlin. It split families and friends apart and people found themselves in different political systems to that of their loved ones. It confined mobility and access to important facilities such as employment places and school for the people residing at the eastern side of the wall. People lost their relatives, and the cultural and social relations within the city were disrupted.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall that was a concrete barrier separating the East and West Berlin for 28 Years came down on November, 9 1989. The fall of the wall was an event that changed the world and the Cold War barrier between the East and the West.

Demonstrations and Desire for Liberty

Before the fall of the Berlin Wall there were many political transformations in the GDR. Preliminary protests and a rapidly developing human rights movement for more freedom and improved living conditions are the background of this event. The actual desire for reunification was amplified by the factor that most of the East Germans were fleeing to west Germany through other Eastern European nations.

The Historic Announcement

The breaking of the Berlin Wall was precipitated an announcement made by the leadership of the East German. It was only on November 9, 1989 they announced that the East Germans would be allowed to move across the border as they wished. Many of the citizens of East Berlin stood and gathered at the wall calling for the immediate ability to go to the West.

The Physical Demolition

The actual physical dismantlement of the barrier was not long in coming after the decree has been made. People with hammers, pickaxes and crane then brought down sections of the wall. He realized people started to embrace, celebrate and even climb the outside wall to be free. Most of the wall was over time pulled down, but sections were retained as a reminder.

The Legacy of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall served as the physical manifestation of the divide between East and West, of oppression and totalitarianism and of cold war so we can say that the symbol was the physical representation of those vices. For many people, its fall, became a sign of hope, union and non-violent protests.

Reunification of Germany

The breakdown of the Berlin Wall paved way to the uniting of the two Germany’s. East and West Germany officially joined on October 3, 1990, and made a new formation of the new nation called Federal Republic of Germany. This historic event witnessed the coming together of families, friends and ex – enemies in a nonviolent transfer of power.

Reminder of Human Struggle

Till this very day, parts of the barrier for example the East Side Gallery do stand as a reminder of all that the inhabitants of the Cold War region had to go through. Political prisoners have taken it upon themselves and made part of the wall a symbol of art, liberty, and togetherness.

Conclusion

Divides between the eastern and western Germany were effected by the construction of the Berlin wall in 1961. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was the event when families were reunited, the real end of Cold War was signified, in fact the path to the reunification of Germany. Currently, Berlin Wall represents a historical symbol meaning freedom and people’s possibility to rise above the impossible.