The Berlin Wall: A Reflection of the Cold War Era
When it comes to large events that have marked the progress of history there is not many that are more symbolic than the Berlin Wall. Erected in 1961 and standing for almost 3 decades, this structure became a wall, not only literally but metaphorically dividing a city and also a global world struggling between two super powers breastfeeding the fire of Cold War. So, it is high time to examine the size of this legendary construction and its consequence for the course of history.
1. Explaining the building of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was erected by the German Democratic Republic (GDR also known as East Germany) aimed to divide east Berlin, which was under the Soviets, from west Berlin, which was under the Allies powers. The authorities expressed the official intention of the construction of this dreadful structure in the interest of helping the East German citizens avoid the ‘polluting’ affects of the liberal democratic system and fascism from the West.
On the night of August 13, 1961, under the orders of the East German government barbed wire was put up across the border to cut off East and West Berlin. It evolved over the years, as these fences were then replaced with walls, watchtowers, Dobermans, and a no go area referred to as the death strip. In the end, the wall was surrounded by walls and fences that made it almost impossible for East Berliners to come into the West.
1.1 The Perimeter of the Wall
The divided wall stretched for roughly 96 miles (155 kms) and followed the whole periphery of East Berlin surrounding the West Berlin. This barrier’s height averaged 11.8 feet (3.6 meters) and was also topped with all sorts of barriers to discourage individuals from getting across the barrier.
1.2 The Notorious “Death Strip”
There was a thin lethal zone inside the Berlin Wall known as the death strip. This strip was always a strong-point together with several basic defensive lines including trenches, look-out towers, anti-tractor trenches and ‘’booby’’ rifles, which were rigged with trip wires. It also acted as a barrier to anyone who might wish to try and escape the east and cross over to the west considering it was very dangerous for anyone who would be planning to escape from that ‘hell’.
- Impact on Daily Life
In the following analysis, it will be shown that the construction of the Berlin Wall fundamentally changed the lives of Berliners. People were forced to stay with their friends and relatives only at nighttime with restricted chances to converse or meet. West Berliners were sharply divorced from the booming political, economic and social activities of the West.
At the same time, the wall was also used to depict the differences between two separate worlds. Eastern bloc would have seen people living under a socialist government while West Berlin is living in a completely democratic society.
2.1 Restricted Travel
The most tangible and the most impressive of the consequences of the Berlin Wall was the almost complete division of East and West Berlin. A border was lined with barriers and had check point where people carrying their identity cards were searched and examined. It undertook the measures to curb the emigration of East Germans to the western side of Berlin.
2.2 Communication Challenges
Other changes included reduced exterior communication between families and friends on each side of the wall. Ideas were glued, letters were written, telephones were tapped, and personal contacts were allowed by the East Germany Only. The main shift of this segment is that these severe constraints heightened the sorrowful and psychological toil of those divided by the wall.
2.3 Economic Divide
The building of the wall also led to rise in economic injustice between the east and the west Berlin. Western countries grew economically and prosperous; incurred investments, concerns, and brains. At the same time, the East lacks the economic growth, resources and opportunities as women’s rights were restrained.
3. The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall still represents the Cold War until 1989 when political earthquakes and passionate dictatorships stirred East Germany. After the heavyweight pressure and pressure for freedom, the East Germany government succumbed damning to the wishes of the people.
The impossible seemed to have occurred on the night of the 9th of November, 1989. East Germans were for example shocked one day the regime decided that people were now free to move between East and West. This historic announcement simply sparked happiness where East Berliners cheered and started crossing the wall.
3.1 Significance of the Fall
The breaking of the Berlin Wall was marked as a significant event which was the last icon of the cold war and marked reunification of Germany. This event was one of the biggest in history and it changed Europe and the World, making people who were separated for years free.
3.2 Legacy and Reminders
The structure’s external physical wall was mostly demolished after the few months of the wall’s demolition; however, there are a few pieces that remain today to serve as a reminder of this remarkable time in history. Today, people can visit museums, memorials, and even walking sections of the wall to remain and see a brief of divisions that captured Berlin and the rest of world.
The fall symbolises perhaps one of the strongest yearning in human life, that of freedom and the Berlin Wall remains as a testifies to human spirit. Its story goes on enriching generations with knowledge, and takes us a lesson today how we should protect such beautiful principles like unity, liberty, and democracy.
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