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 Start of a Divided City: The Origins of the Berlin Wall

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Where construction of the walls is concerned there is little doubt that this formation has been a crucial point in universal history. This architectural symbol that separated east and west Germany for about three decades was the central figure of the cold war period. However when was the construction of the Berlin Wall started? In this article, the reader will learn who and for what built this historic monument, and what events preceded its construction.

Cold War and Berlin’s part

To put it in the proper perspective, it is necessary to trace back history to the period of the Cold War. Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the victorious Allied powers: They include the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. As an international force of antagonism between the western democracies and the Soviet Union grew in the post-war years, Berlin the city in the heart of Soviet occupied zone received much attention.

Perhaps it should be noted that although the capital of Germany is Berlin, East Germany was actually divided into 4 sections, the city of Berlin broke the country in half as well. When Cold War escalated more and more people from East Germany with their dreams and goals fled to this part of divided city which was controlled by USA, Great Britain and France and seen as a symbol of capitalist democracy in the middle of oppressed Eastern countries.

The Rise of the Iron Curtain

As time went on within this war, hundreds of thousands of East Germans began travelling to the West through Berlin. The migration, primarily stimulated by the economic factors, was a major problem for the Soviet leadership. In response, the leadership of the Communist Party consistently over the years attempted to rein in on emigration.

East Berlin authorities enhances the barriers of the border making it even more hard for people to move to the western sectors. Such measures involved putting of barbed wire and constant surveillance with the use of weapons. However, people kept on crossing border from east to west, thus putting a lot of pressure on both super powers, not forgetting that it deepened the division.

The Decision to Build a Wall

The division of the city was not an immediate decision caused by a specific event but it was gradual and had the construction of the Berlin Wall preceded by certain several events. It was on the night of August 12, 1961 that the East Germans set up a disorganised and an ad hoc barbed wired fence. The major purpose of the early measures undertaken for repatriation was to prevent additional waves of mass emigration and keep their populations subdued.

After the establishment of this first rudimentary barrier, a construction more lasting was organized. The wall that was a concrete structure surrounded by barbed wire from above stretched further widening the area of the divided city. Barbed wire, guard towers for the lookout, a strip for inmates where no individual could attempt to escape from East to West Berlin.

The Impact and Legacy

The effects of building the Wall were not only local, being felt not only by Berlin citizens but also by all the globe’s inhabitants. People were forced from their homes, many loved ones lost each other and the split between eastern and western half of Germany was established.

To the western powers it represented a downfall of communism and most importantly the constraints of the Soviet power. By then it symbolised a beacon of hope to those who fought for freedom and democracy in the face of the Iron Curtain.

It only started breaking apart when the Berlin Wall came down in an unexpected manner on November 9, 1989. This event was the first step in dismantling the Cold War structure and led to the reunification of Germany.

Conclusion

Looking at the event that led to the construction of the Berlin Wall in this case one can easily understand the extensive conflicts of interest and the turmoil to which people had to undergo during the cold war period. It also symbolizes division and strength of the people struggling for liberty and union. Knowledge of the historical roots of this important monument useful for gaining an understanding of the world divided into two parts and the possibility of reconciliation at the moment.

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