Among the most obvious Cold War era remains in the heart of Berlin are the likes of the Berlin Wall. While the impact is not as relevant since, this is not something to be missed out of the city’s and the world’s history history. This page about the Berlin Wall will focus on the miles of the Berlin Wall and the history of this famous barrier.
Berlin Wall Construction: Separating a City
German Democratic Republic East Germany began building the Berlin Wall on August 13, 1961. Under Soviet control, it was supposed to divide East Berlin from West Berlin under Western Allies’ purview. Guard towers, barbed wire, and concrete were used in construction of the wall.
Originally covering over 96 km, the Berlin Wall bordered West Berlin. Usually described as the inner and outer walls, it consisted of two parallel barriers. Called the “Death Strip,” the area between was under military control and closely patrolled no-man’s land aimed to stop illicit crossings.
Expanding the Wall: Constant Reinforcement
As the war between East and West Germany developed over years, the Berlin Wall grew and strengthened several times.
These actions aimed to deter whatever attempt at escape from East Berlin. By raising challenges and strengthening supervision, the East German authorities sought to establish an unbreakable separation.
Growing over 103 miles at its height in 1989, the Berlin Wall changed with time. Along with increased fortifications, this expansion made defecting East Berliners more challenging. Under orders to shoot anyone attempting to cross the barrier, watch towers with spotlights and armed guards were placed strategically.
Fall of the Berlin Wall and Its Afterglow
November 9, 1989 saw the Berlin Wall fall following a series of peaceful protests and growing desire for reform. Groups of East and West Germans banded together at border crossings to remove sections of the wall and celebrate their just obtained freedom.
Still, even parts of the Berlin Wall act as reminders of the city’s turbulent past today. Comprising vibrant murals made by artists from all around the world, the East Side Gallery is an outdoor gallery spanning 1.3-kilometer length of the wall. This vibrant memorial demonstrates how triumphally unification over division can be and evidence of the tenacity of the human spirit.
In all around
Built over around 96 miles, the Berlin Wall ran to around 103 miles. The length of the wall changed as more fortifications were built to deter efforts at East Berlin escape. Representing the end of the Cold War and the reunion of Germany, its final collapse signalled a turning moment in world history.
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