The history books are full of game changing events that have led to the formation of the societies in the modern societies we are today. Only if we focus on one nation at a time, can we come across an event which can be hailed as a turning point in the history of today’s developed countries, the construction of the wall dividing East Berlin from West Berlin can be considered as a turning point which brought in an entirely new set of challenges to the then West Germany. This concrete and steel structure risen in 1961 and downed in 1989 appeared as an embodiment of a Cold War split. But who were the people who put up this concrete curtain? In this article, I shall go on a time-space travel technology, to explore the persons that were involved in the construction of the Berlin Wall, discover what motivated them and what followed next. So sit tight and brace yourself as we explore this quite an interesting part of history.
The Wall’s Mastermind: Walter Ulbricht
The main reason for the construction of the Berlin was Walter Ulbricht, the leader of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Ulbricht who was a strict ant-fascist to suppress the annual migration of East Germans to the superior West. People feared that those who came to the western part in search of better employment opportunities and governance moved up the tension.
Ulbricht’s plan was twofold: first, Er hat den Abfluss von Fachkräften und Intellektuellen aus dem Osten Deutschlands, zweitens, eine übernatürliche ideologische Barriere zur Festigung des Sozialismus und vor allem zur Verhinderung des Austauschs mit westlichen Ländern. This created a 96 mile long barrier, divided into several sects that contained the city of Berlin.
The Face of East German Security: Erich Honecker
Althought it was Ulbricht who started the process, it was his successor, Erich Honecker, who presided over the Wall at its most infamous point. Honecker as the chairman of the Socialist Unity Party headed the socialist regime of the GDR and never considered the possibility of liberalization of the citizens. Accordingly, under his command the Berlin Wall was strengthened in order to turn the object into really a wall.
Their mandate however went further than the mere construction of the wall which Honecker presided over. To ensure that there was no rebellion from the citizens, he initiated harsh methods for dealing with subversives and runaway gypsies; he brought in the secret police, the Stasi into power to implement his enforcement. This reign of terror contributed to the fact of making the Berlin Wall as physical barrier, into one symbolizing oppression and separation of the inhabitants of East Germany.
The Man of Peace: Willy Brandt
During all these social skirmishes there were voices of reason arguing what seems reasonable for the two parties to seek a way forward. Most importantly, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt was seen as a believer of détente and friendly relations between the east and the west. In his diplomacy, Brandt tried to install détente in cold relations between the East and the West.
While engaging and cooperating strategies contrast with Brandt, Ulbricht, and Honecker approaches to power. The fact was that his main intention led to a major event called as “Ostpolitik.” This policy aimed at bringing about the diplomacy between the two regions, which the two meant as communication and cooperation.
Escaping the Wall: The Courageous East Germans
Closed off as the Berlin Wall was to any intruder, there were those who sought out a challenge and came up with ways of getting over the division and into the light. To this day, it is unclear how many of them tried to escape and succeeded, but inspiring is the record of people who, despite all odds, were able to liberate themselves.
There is one outstanding scene – the audacious escape through the sewers. Contrary to many legends reported, in 1962 a group of university students built a tunnel behind the wall through which 29 people escaped to the West. That was another great escape through a hot air balloon which flew over the great barrier to liberate a family.
These little stories of heroes teach reviews about the feeling of people who stayed behind the Berlin Wall. One might say that it represents fight of every man for his freedom and the things people are ready to do to stay free.
The Stumbling Blocks Crumble: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
It was in 1989 that the Berlin Wall was to collapse after having been in place for almost three decades. TheINTERNATIONAL PRESSURES FOR CHANGE had increased, stimulated by the Glastnost and Perestroika winds from the Soviet Union as well as the internal pressures.
In East Germany, the population rose in mass protest against the regimes injustices, political reforms, as well as freedom of movement. The pressure continued to rise until it became unbearable to the government. It should however be noted that the first enthusiastic crossers appeared on November 9, 1989 as a result of an unintended statement by a party member.
The border guards were taken by surprise and after sometime, they gave in, and the inconceivable happened, the Berlin Wall began to fall. Today, the people saw their families and friends embraced, standing on the symbolic rubble of a wall that once separated people in the region.
Conclusion:
Violations of the Welfare State and Architectural Identity: The Architects and the Aftermath
As well known, the Berlin Wall was also significant as the symbol of cold war and defined division between liberal and communism. Walter Ulbricht, Erich Honecker and other rulers built and preserved this somber demarcation mark. However, it would be incorrect to pay homage to the fact that people struggled for freedom and reconciliation and will be incorrect not to mention the names of Willy Brandt and other escapees.
Hearing how the Berlin Wall brought so much destruction, how can the spirit of people and their decision to be one overpower the divisiveness! This monumental barrier that had sculptured Berlin physically also provided a significant direction to the history. It also becomes a reminder that no wall was too strong enough to keep the spirit of the people down.
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