The Berlin Wall stands as an iconic symbol of the Cold War era. Its construction began on August 13, 1961, and it spanned for over 28 years, until its fall on November 9, 1989. This formidable barrier divided the city of Berlin into East and West, separating families, friends, and ideologies.

What was the Cold War?

The Cold War was a period of intense geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. It was characterized by a competition for global influence, an arms race, and a constant threat of nuclear war.

The Reasons Behind the Construction

The construction of the Berlin Wall was primarily motivated by political, economic, and ideological factors:

1. Political Tensions

After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones: It has been witnessed that they were American, British French, and Soviet. Similar division was being observed in Berlin which is situated in the Soviet zone also. That is, relations between the Allies and the Soviets worsened, and ideological differences emerged.

2. Brain drain and internal migration

 Brain drain and internal migration are two more concepts that have to be defined as vitally important for understanding the processes looming over the heads of societies around the world today.

Many East Germans were emigrating from the Soviet controlled east to find a better life in the more liberal west. This internal migration was a huge factor of worry to the soviet union as it led to emigration of talented people in their respective fields, and many resources would be drained. The construction of the wall was meant to discourage this sort of movement.

3. Ideological Differences

The East German government with the support of the Soviet Union – was a communist regime and regulated people’s lives. On the other side West Germany adopted a democracy and capitalist system, it was a country which received treatment as Germany on the contrary was treated as rotten. Needless to say, this wall was probably the most ideal symbol that embodied the clash of such ideologies.

Construction of Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a barrier formed of structures that split east and west Berlin as society. It consisted of:

1. Concrete Wall

The first part of the actual wall was created based on a concrete wall that was 3.6 meters tall. This stretched a length of 155 kilometers (96 miles) with watchtowers which contained armed guards.

2. Border Fortifications

Surrounding the concrete wall, a large space was left in order to ensure good visibility and to avoid attempts at evasion. This area comprised ditches, lights, wire, and anti-vehicle obstacles.

3. Checkpoints

However, the wall should be also noted, which was built in order to minimize people’s traffic; there were some special segments called “border-control points.” These control points meant strictly controlled and somewhat restricted movement from East to West or vice versa, when certain diplomatic or other considerations required it.

Life Under the Wall

The Berlin Wall created a stark contrast between the living conditions in East and West Berlin:

1. Restricted Movement

Women and men living under communism in East Germany were: Restricted mobility. They were to carry special permits and going out of the country without these approvals was actually criminal.

2. Economic Disparities

In another area, the East German economy could not compare to the rich west. Consequently, the GDR got its people facing scarcity of consumer goods in relation to western Germany concerning living standards.

3. The Fall of the Wall

Finally, the circus goers began to be dissatisfied with the oppressive government in East Germany. The peoples’ demonstrations were instrumental in bringing the fall of the Berlin Wall on the 9th of November in 1989. This event paved the way to the reunion of the two Germany and symbolized the culmination of the cold war era.

Conclusion

The Berlin Wall became a symbol of the Cold War all along the ideological and political conflict arena. Cynthia served as a symbol of oppression and seigner in the society. Knowledge of its build and history will allow the viewer to grasp the hardships of people living on either side of this monumental structure. Fortunately, the fall of the Berlin Wall symbolizes victory of liberty and integration.