Introduction
This is our guide on the first Berlin Wall! This article will be useful for those who like history, or for those who are going to travel to Berlin to have a closer look at this legendary symbol of division of a city and its inhabitants.
What was the Berlin Wall?
Berlin Wall was a material construct constructed by the German Democratic Republic, popularly known as East Germany that separated Berlin for four and half months in the year1961 to 1989. It was built to stop East Germans crossing into West Germany and acting as a divider between the Eastern and Western blocs during peace time in the cold war.
The Construction
The Berlin Wall was erected on August the 13th in the year 1961. Comprising of walls made of concrete, watchtowers, and barbed wire fencing passing over a distance of 155 kilometers (96 miles) in the entire city area. Later, the wall was modified with stronger barriers to let people flee to the West more and more difficult.
Historical Significance
It is now easier to take for granted the changing landscape where the Berlin Wall belongs to the emerging history of the post-Second World War. It was more than just a wall that divided people but it was an enemy that divided families, friends, a nation. It fell on November 9 1989 which in turn affected major political changes and powered the collapse of the Cold War.
Life under the Wall
The moments when people have to live in the sight of the controversial wall like Berlin Wall were tough for them. There was much oppression; easterners were heavily spied on, politically flogged, and economically separated from the west. On the other hand, West Berliner had freedom with organized democratic systems and thus a pull factor to anyone who wanted a better life.
Taking a Tour of the Berlin Wall Today
Today, the East Side Gallery remains the most recognized piece of the Berlin Wall today, although there are other sections of the wall remaining as well as memorials. Here are a few must-visit locations:
1. East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a preserved portion of the Wall, permitting visitor to wander; painted murals cover 1316 meters or 0.8 kilometers of it work various artists from different parts of the world. It is in fact a stunning open air art exhibit that focuses on several aspects of liberty, togetherness as well as hope.
2. Berlin Wall Memorial
Currently, at Bernauer Strasse, there is a very good Berlin Wall Memorial which has many themes for those tracing the history of the wall. A part of it is now preserved border security walls, an observation tower and an underground museum detailing the lives and experiences of people impacted by such walls.
3. Checkpoint Charlie
Another famous place which is removed but was famous checkpoint between East and West Berlin was Checkpoint Charlie. Today, it is an open/visited tourist attraction that has a constructed guardhouse and a display of information from the Wall.
Conclusion
The actual Berlin wall is an effective source of reminder of the period of history that was very turbulent. Its presence reflected an ideological struggle that defined the fate of millions and millions of people and countries. One is able to get a sense of what people went through and what they accomplished during this part of German history by walking through the existing ruins and monuments.
It is our aspiration that this guide has encouraged you to explore further this infamous symbol of the Cold War – the Berlin Wall. Please bear in mind that there are numerous materials online and offline which need to be taken advantage of in order to fully comprehend the historical significance of this outstanding sculpture.