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

Why was the Berlin Wall constructed and what were its consequences?

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

German history has a big place in the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War and the separation of East and West. The construction of the Berlin Wall was built to prevent mass emigration and maintain the East German government’s control over it had great social, political, economical, and many further consequences. In this article we consider the reasons for its construction and its repercussions for Germany and the world.

1. The Historical Context

Its origins began in the aftermath of WW2. When Germany lost the war, the country was broken up into four occupied zones of the United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. Berlin found itself in the Soviet controlled zone, but was divided into four sectors as the capital city.

Finally there were ideological differences between the Soviet Union as well as the Western Allies, eventually ending in the Cold War. It would set the political mores for generations: communism versus democracy.

2. Reasons for Construction

The construction of the Berlin Wall was primarily driven by two key factors:

2.1. Mass Emigration

During the early years of the divided Germany, a substantial number of people from East Germany (German Democratic Republic, GDR) started migrating to West Germany and West Berlin. The free movement between the sectors enabled many to take advantage of the economic opportunities, political freedom, and higher living standards found in the West.

As a result, East Germany began experiencing significant brain drain and labor shortages, threatening its economic stability and political legitimacy. To halt the mass exodus, the East German government sought to create physical barriers.

2.2. Political Control

The construction of the Berlin Wall also aimed to solidify the East German government’s control over its population. By isolating East Berliners from the influence of the West, the government hoped to prevent the spread of Western ideologies and preserve its grip on power.

3. Construction and Structure

The Berlin Wall was officially built on August 13, 1961. Its initial structure was a basic barbed-wire fence, later fortified with concrete walls, watchtowers, and additional security measures. The wall stretched for approximately 155 kilometers (96 miles) through the heart of Berlin, dividing the city into East and West.

Over time, the wall underwent several improvements, evolving into a highly fortified barrier. The “Death Strip,” an area behind the wall, was laden with alarms, tripwires, and guard towers, making escape attempts extremely perilous.

4. Human Impact of the Wall

The construction of the wall had far-reaching consequences for the people living in Berlin:

4.1. Separation of Families and Friends

The wall tore families apart, creating a physical and emotional divide between loved ones. Those residing in different sectors now found themselves cut off from their relatives, friends, and colleagues.

4.2. Loss of Freedom and Rights

East Berliners were suddenly trapped within the confines of the GDR. Their freedom of movement was severely restricted, and attempts to flee were met with harsh consequences, including imprisonment and even death.

4.3. Economic Disparities

Construction of the wall widened the economic divide of East and West Germany. West Berlin itself became an economic powerhouse, the vehicle of churning trade and investment; East Germany decayed into a stagnant, closed, economy.

5. Fall of the Berlin Wall

For 28 years, the wall divided Berlin into East and West and, as a symbol, it stood from the night of 45 years of division, until its unexpected fall also on November 9, 1989. Its demise was the peaceful revolution that united Germany and ended the Cold War.

It changed Europe, and showed just how power people’s desire for freedom and unity can be. The preserved parts of the wall are a moving memorial to the part of the world that defeated the division.

Wrapping Up

The significance of the built Berlin Wall, and its fall, are great in a global political context. The stark symbol became a symbol of a divide between communism and democracy with profound long term consequences for Germany and the world. Not designed to stop mass emigration and secure political control, this wall actually gave in to devastating human, social and economic damages. But the people celebrated as the wall fell, as hope and unity, those people were able to embrace peaceful revolution and people wanted to be free.

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