It will be shameful and wrong not to mention the role of the Berlin Wall while discussing key moments in European history. This towering edifice, which divided east from west Germany, physically and symbolically for so many years, is imprinted on our consciousness. The Berlin Wall was in existence for 28 years from 1961 – 1989 before the structure was brought down. Here is what you probably know about it: let us discover the story of its success and its vanishing.

Events – The Construction of the Berlin Wall

In the aftermath of World War II, Germany found itself divided into four zones, each controlled by the victorious Allied powers: places such as the United States, the United Kingdom France, and the Soviet Union. The capital city of Germany also known as Berlin was divided into four different sectors.

However, war soon started between the Western powers and the Soviet Union to build different political systems. While West Germany enjoyed a success of a capitalist democracy East Germany adopted a communist style of governance much akin to the Soviet Union.

That is why millions of east Germans fell for what the west was offering – political freedom, better paying job and a better standard of living.

Inability to counter this mass trend, the East German government with the assistance of the Soviet Union opted for extreme action. On the night of August 12 into August 13 in 1961, the barrier was erected with the aid of barbed wire and concrete Blocks.

Impact on Berliners

The construction of the Berlin Wall meant that the East Germany administration planned to lock its citizens from West Berlin and sever attachment to one another. There were riots and differentiation between families as well as individuals were suddenly deprived of their ability to work, to live in their homes, and see their kin. People never dared cross the wall as armed guards were placed on stand-by twenty-four seven to arrest the loophole.

For East Berliners life became even more restrictive as the Stasi, the East German secret police began to eye every aspect of their lives. They kept their eyes on the citizens and made the citizens keep their mouths shut at any sign of opposition to the regime.

Across the wall, now the residents of West Berlin were living in a state of fear and in a world that seemed like a movie. They were able to come and go as they pleased and feel the liberties which democracy has to offer, however, it was a constant reminder of the separation and the fact that it was right next to a dictatorship regime all at the same time.

The Fall of the Wall

Traveling from East Berlin to West Berlin is a meeting point divided by The Berlin Wall for nearly 3 decades during the cold war. However, the chances of change were slowly emerging across the Eastern Europe in the end of the 1980s.

As a dramatic event, Hungary nailed their doors open for Austria allowing East Germans a chance to defect from the oppressive regime and move to the western side. Interesting, as soon as word went out about this, thousands of East Germans convened near the border, insisting on being let through to West Germany.

With this, it becomes apparent that the East Germany government gave in with much pressures and total lack of control on this intensifying event. Finally on the night of November 9, 1989 an official word was given to the East Germans to cross the border at will. Many people turned up at the wall, happy Berliners celebrating the end of the division.

The fall of the Berlin Wall helped bring together Germany but it also contributed to the break down of the Iron Curtain, a metaphorical and actual barrier that divided east and west during the Cold War.

The Legacy of the Berlin Wall

As we have seen, the Berlin Wall lasted for 28 years but it is legacy continues to be felt today. Germany – the reunited country was full of unimaginable problems, but also new and unbounded spirit in the German people.

The unification of East and West Germany following the demolition of the Berlin wall had a major impact throughout globe as symbol of liberation at the end of enmity during the cold war period. it will always provide the reminder of their fight for oneness and the spirit of people that struggled for their liberty.

Now there are only some small parts of the Berlin Wall remaining in the memory and symbol of the German nation. More so, Checkpoint Charlie area has an attached Berlin Wall Museum that offers detail information about the Berlin Wall and the general area.

Conclusion

The source of tension was visible, menacing and solid for 28 years dividing the inhabitants of East and West Berlin. Part of European historical dynamics involves the construction of the wall, the circumstances underlying the existence of the Wall on both sides and the Wall’s ultimate demotion. Lessons that can be recalled in the wake of the event of the fall of the Berlin Wall include: the fact that there is strength in unity rather than division, WHERE, people can control division rather than vice versa There is freedom in unity and democracy when division is controlled not the other way round. This remarkable chapter in our nation’s history underlines the capacity of the human soul, and will provide inspiration for those who inhabit this earth for decades to come.