Introduction
The Berlin Wall, a historical landmark that divided the German city for almost three decades, holds significant importance in the history of Germany and the Cold War era. This imposing structure was both a physical and ideological barrier that separated families, friends, and communities. In this article, we will explore the timeline and events that led to the construction of the Berlin Wall, the impact it had on the people, and the eventual fall of this iconic symbol.
The Construction of the Berlin Wall
The initial placement of the Berlin Wall occurred at night of August 13th, 1961. The Wall was constructed at night by the government of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), or East Germany, to lessen the number of its citizens that crossed the border to the western side of Berlin which was opened to free west democratic world.
The GDR said erecting the wall was an essential means of defending its citizens against the negative impact of the ‘fascist’ western world. However, the real intent of building the wall was effectively to seal all those who were wary of wandering to West Germany where other chances to gain freedom, democracy and standard living could be achievable.
What Were That Berlin Wall For
The principle intention of constructing the Berlin Wall was to prevent people of the GDR from escaping to the Federal Republic of Germany. Until the erection of the Berlin wall, more than 3 million had crossed from east to west Germany, which had led to brain drain, underdevelopment of the socialist economy of the country and insecure political systems.
East German authorities believed that constructing the Wall would isolate their subjects and allow the government to regain the ascendancy; second, the use of barbed wire and walls would make it clear that East Germans were content to live in a socialist country that was steadily improving their standard of living. Over some years, the wall became a symbol of confrontation between the East and the West during cold war, being the barrier separating communism and capitalism.
Life Behind the Berlin Wall
After construction of the Berlin Wall, the residents of East Germany suffered a lot of problems and limitations. In effect, families and friends were often separated by distance as is the case with the present phenomenon that may last for a very long time. First of all they were almost reached and only a rudimentary barrier from the East to West Berlin and due to this many attempts were made to cross the border. But as the wall developed and grew taller and taller none could escape and the Stasi or East German secret police become more and more alert.
Living in East Germany where the Stasi controlled everybody’s lives meant little freedom of choice, little freedom of movement, and scarce and decreed consumerism and, freights media. Not merely did the government put up barriers to people’s movement to ensure that no citizen could move out, but also to shield East Germany from the so-called ‘destructive westernization.’ Essentials, such as ideas, technologies, arts, political liberties cherished and emerging in the western world could barely trickle down to Eastern Germany’s population.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlinood division grew up for 28 years and it came to an end on November 9, 1989 which was a black and white turning point in the history of Germany. Historical political and social transformations led the East Germany government to open border check points at night.
This momentous event was occasioned by a press briefing by the East German Politburo member, Günter Schabowski, who said that the gates were opened to allow free movement. After that, the mass of people crossed the border at the checkpoints and at the frontier, hurrying to demand to be allowed through west. They were too overwhelmed by the number of people that continued to flock in and the outside pressure that increased sending the guards to their knees and opening the passage way.
Relevance and Legacy
Often symbolic of hope of reunification and freedom was the fall of a symbol, the Berlin Wall. It started the post Cold war era and the reunification of Germany followed in October 1990. The demolition of this wall was a witnessed event by the whole world, which signified triumph of democratic governments over communism.
Fortunately, the suffering of divided nations is no more vividly evidenced than through the powerful symbol we still see today, the Berlin Wall. The existing portion of the wall is preserved and a popular sightseeing today: people from all over the world come to learn the history of this era, and honor the victims of segregation it embodied.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall serves as a stark reminder of the divisions caused by political ideologies and the lengths to which some governments will go to control their citizens. From its construction in 1961 to its eventual fall in 1989, the Berlin Wall played a significant role in shaping the history of Germany and the world.
Its legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of freedom, unity, and the power of people to overcome oppressive regimes. The Berlin Wall stands as a symbolic monument to the triumph of human spirit, and a symbol for future generations to learn from and, hopefully, avoid repeating history’s mistakes.
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