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

Unraveling the Historical Connection between East Berlin and East Germany

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

A Brief Overview of the Division

As it will be illustrated later, the period of cold war brought the future of Germany city of Berlin into power struggle. Indeed, the actual division of Berlin could be viewed as a result of a much bigger split between the Soviet Union and NATO. East Berlin and West Berlin were two different units that came out of this division.

East Berlin: The Socialist Capital

East Berlin which people associate with the Capital of East Germany was a part of the German Democratic Republic or East Germany in short GDR. It was set up as a socialist state immediately after the Second World War under the auspices of the Soviet Union. East Berlin was the political, economical, and cultural capital of the GDR which officially existed since 1949.

East Germany: A Socialist Nation

The GDR was a different country from West Germany and included not only East Berlin, but also the area around it. Originally it was formed on socialist pattern of subsocialist state and was under the control of soviet union and came in to existence in 1949 and dissolved in 1990.

The Link between East Berlin and East Germany

East Berlin was not only the capital of the German Democratic Republic but also represented its concept and the principles which the state was based upon. In 1961 the construction of the wall was built across Berlin effectively partitioning East Berlin from West Berlin completely.

Nevertheless, East Berlin despite being the political center was firmly tied to the East Germany in general. It is as an effect important to understand that all the policies, laws and regulations of the GDR affected the whole of East Germany; including East Berlin. The government of the GDR state with its center in East Berlin controlled all spheres of life in the region.

Everyday Life in East Berlin

Politics and Ideology

While under the socialist system, East Berlin and East Germany adopted Marxism-Leninism ideology and were governed by the Socialist Unity Party or SED. The government exercised triple control, political, educational and media and cultural over all aspects of life and endorsed the socialist system as the official system.

Economy and Employment

Before to re-unification east Germany had a centrally planned economy that focused more on manufactures than on services and particularly on industries such as mining and manufacturing. jobs were gotten from state owned organisation, security was an inherent part of life and though the economic expansion was gradual than that of West Germany.

Social Welfare and Education

During the time when East Germany was in existence, the Party came up with what it called a social welfare programme that sought at making all the social amenities of the people free. Education was considered to be very significant and was well established, education based on technical knowledge hence very skilled work force.

What measures were taken regarding travel restrictions and compulsion into isolation?

East Berlin was closely monitored centrally governed and closely monitored in moving towards a more westernization looked to be a dream of the past Take for instance life in East Berlin. When constructing the Berlin Wall it was easy for the east Berlinendly to travel from east Berlin to west Berlin but not the other way round.

The Reunification and the Impact

Subsequent to the down fall of the Berlin Wall in year 1989, dissolution of Soviet Union and subsequently East Germany under went a process of merger with west Germany. The reunification locked the East Berlin into the united Germany and this has done away with the German Democratic Republic.

Present day East Berlin is a world of difference from its pre-1990s self boasting modern architecture, diverse cultural lifestyles and of course better transportation networks. But even today there are remnants of division in some parts of the city and one can trace the multiple historical events which have happened there.

Conclusion

It is for this reason that East Berlin was indeed an important part of political and geographic border of East Germany. The Barrier between east and west Berlin in the times of cold war stands clearly as a monumental period in Germany’s history. Son of the Weapons This concentration of historical history is very important in understanding the difficulties and changes of the people at that time.

The reunion of Germany have brought new prospects for development and transformation for the inhabitants of East Berlin as well as of the whole eastern part of Germany, resulting in the formation of a single developing country. Learning more about East Berlin history and calling attention to its legacy helps you better appreciate hope, tenacity, and people’s ability to stay connected.

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