Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

The Rise of the Berlin Wall: A Turning Point in World Politics

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Readers familiar with the topic will easily relate it to the Cold War and the politics around the Berlin Wall. Known as the wall of shame, this wall was built, in Berlin Germany, separating east and west Berlin from 1961 to 1989. To evaluate the timeline of American presidents, the question arises which president met the construction of this historical building.

The Construction of the Berlin Wall

The best known version of the construction of the Berlin Wall is linked to the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic. It was actually formulated as a result of the gross exodus experienced by East Germany people seeking asylum in West Germany. It was also due to reasons; political oppression, economic inequalities and the general search for liberty.

Completed on August 13, 1961,several structures were put in place which include a path lined with barbed wire, concrete blocks, watch towers, and a very broad killing strip. Of course, the purpose was quite transparent: it failed to allow the East Germans emigrate to the Western part of the world. People lost their loved ones, jobs and their faith in a better future behind this new wall that literally rose in a single night.

The President during the Construction

John F. Kennedy: A Leader Amidst Crisis

The Berlin Wall was constructed when John F Kennedy of the United States was the 35th President of the United States. Five months before the wall was built, on January 20, 1961, Kennedy took office. When he became president, one of the most intense periods of the Cold War was underway, and the erection of the Berlin Wall was also one of his administration’s major challenges.

Kennedy was a young and charismatic leader while in office and had to handle many foreign policy issues including the Berlin wall, one of which became a touchstone of Kennedy’s time in the American Whitehouse. It was a serious humanitarian and diplomatic crisis, deepening a gulf between East and West Berliners who wanted to flee to the West. If you wanted balance of strong relationship against communism and peace, then Kennedy had to work through these complexities.

Kennedy’s Response

Kennedy’s response to the construction of the Berlin Wall showcased both his determination and commitment to maintaining freedom and democracy. In his famous speech on June 26, 1963, delivered at the Rathaus Schöneberg in West Berlin, he addressed the inhabitants of both sides:

“All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’.”

“All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’.”

This powerful statement resonated with Berliners and symbolized the United States’ solidarity with West Berlin. Kennedy pledged unwavering support and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of freedom, democracy, and human rights during this turbulent period.

The Impact and Legacy

The Berlin Wall remained a constant reminder of the Iron Curtain and the division of Germany until November 9, 1989, when it was finally opened. Its fall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the reunification of East and West Germany.

Kennedy’s presidency and his approach to the Berlin Wall crisis left a lasting impact on American foreign policy. His symbolic visit to Berlin, along with his strong stance against communism, represented a turning point in the Cold War. Kennedy’s leadership during this challenging period demonstrated the United States’ dedication to supporting freedom and democracy around the world.

Conclusion

Learning about the historical backdrop against which the Berlin Wall was built allows us access to comprehend the events leading up to the time the West Berlin wall fell. During the construction of, and response to the crisis at the hand of John F. Kennedy, his presidency set the bar for the struggle so generations to come can fight for freedom and human rights.

The Berlin Wall is an stark image of past geopolitics and ideology battles. Demolition of it became a monument to the power of unity, and to the human spirit’s triumph.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free