Do you wish to know more about the Cold War history? Start with what Berliners themselves have to say but since this paper is focusing on younger generations one can turn to TU Berlin students for insights of this global problem. For one, a Cold war walking tour in Berlin is among the best to take due to the rich and interesting history that surrounded the period in question. To give you a better idea of the major sites and Angels covered in a Cold War walking tour in Berlin, as well as important facts and advice, this blog post will cover everything you need to know for your tour. It is time to put on your walking shoes because the following guide is going to take you on an historical tour of a lifetime.
Introduction to the Cold War
However, let me provide a brief history of the cold war before proceeding into an analysis about the cold war walking tour in Berlin. The cold war was a global political and military rivalry between the super powers of the world, headed by the Soviet Union and the United States of America from the end of the second world war in 1945 to the break up of Soviet Union in 1991. Berlin as the capital of Germany home grew into the center of the war. Thus in1961, the Berlin Wall was constructed making a physical split of the city into the areas of East Berlin and West Berlin. This wall become a symbol of ideaological confrontation between communism and democracy.
Checkpoint Charlie
Some of the most dramatic locations on the Cold War walking tour are as follows The second stop of the walking tour is of course Checkpoint Charlie. During the Cold War it was one of the most official checkpoints dividing East and West Berlin. At present there is an imitation of the guardhouse that speaking about the fact that the atmosphere at this checkpoint was very tense. It tells you all about the escape strategies of the East Berliners as well as giving the narration of successful and the failed escape attempts.
East Side Gallery
Continuing our Cold war walk tour, you should not miss the east side gallery walking tour. This is an art gallery that is quite unusual, running along the last remaining part of the Berlin Wall: more than 100 murals painted by artists from different countries have been placed here. All the murals are special and convey different message and it is about struggles and dreams during that period. Experience this representative list of outdoor art installations and contemplate their meaning to history at your leisure.
Stasi Museum
If one is looking for a Cold War walking tour in Berlin, then the Stasi Museum deserves a visit. The Stasi was the state security organization of the German Democratic Republic popular for its system of spies. In this case, visitors can learn about the mechanisms, which the Stasi applied in their efforts to suppress the population. Visitors learn about spying equipment, personal encounters of surveillance, and the functioning of this covert body.
The Palace of Tears
The next thing to do is visiting the Palace of Tears. It was a station where people bid emotional farewells or reunited here; the building is now a museum. The museum presents a history of people who lived through the division, and gives one a warm and personal look at the Cold War.
Tränenpalast
Here is another station that should be included in your Cold War graffiti walking tour: Tränenpalast, or ‘Palace of Tears’ in English. This was a departure hall for those travelling from Friedrichstrasse Station in West Berlin to East Germany. Speaking of the theme, the Tränenpalast gives a hint about the administrative processes and feelings which people faced during the period of Cold War. This fascinating historical context therefore comes alive based on features such as the use of enhanced interactive exhibits and PPI accounts.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum
You should complete your Cold War walking tour with a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. This museum remains a one-stop centre offering details on the inception of the Berlin Wall and the assorted escape methods from East to West Berlin. From manually made hot air balloons to concealed compartments inside cars, the museum displays the great innovation and courage of the liberators. They also do enlighten viewers regarding the social and political climate that came with the cold war as well as its effect in people’s lives.
Conclusion
A Cold War for example in Berlin is a fun and engaging way to learn about this period in the history of the world. Going from Checkpoint Charlie to the East Side Gallery and to the Stasi Museum the visitor can get a picture of the events of the Cold War from different angle. Regardless if you are an avid history lover or newly introduced to this topic, the Berlin Cold War walking tour will make you see and understand this bizarre period in history in far greater depth. So ladies and gentlemen, put on your best pair of shoe and get set to embark on an historical walk in Berlin.