Introduction

In the second World War also Berlin underground system was very useful for day to day existence of the people as well as for the military purposes. Being an exceptional city in terms of design, construction and organizational grid network of tunnels and bunker systems became an important sheltering and transportation equipment as well as secret communication means. In the following detailed guide, the reader will find out more about the Berlin Underground during WWII.

Specifically for this paper, the subject selected is The Construction of the Berlin Underground.

The Berlin underground was started in the early part of the twentieth Century. Its goal was to ensure there is a better and, contemporary public transport for the expanding German capital city. However, as consequential escalation of conflict in Europe and probability of warfare in the foreseeable future emerged as key consideration, the underground system transformed into something more than commuting tool.

Because of the need for air raid shelters and concealed structures, the Nazi administration began to transform the Berlin Underground into military structures. In order to commence building the underground tunnels there were existing tunnels which were widened while others were excavated to interconnect and build an elaborate tunnel system beneath the city. Berliners started calling this complex of interconnecting tunnels as the ‘Führerbunker or ‘Hitler’s Bunker’ quite soon.

The Berlin underground – a hidden theatre during the Second World War

1. Civilian Shelters

During the Second World War and as the allied forces’ bombers focused on Berlin, the Underground provided key refuge for people who needed protection from bombings. The tunnels offered a series of large and large numbers of shelters where people could get during the air raids.

Because space was at a precious commodity, the tunnel was fitted with bunked beds, a medical area and amenities that one would require when trapped inside. In the worse time these shelters provided temporary shelter and warmth to the people of berlin.

2. Military Installations

Temporarily, the Berlin Underground housed not only civilians but also became a key point in the war led by Hitler. It contained control stations, communication offices and ammunition depots.

Such structures as the Führerbunker were heavy shelters constructed to provide strongholds for important authorities, the supreme commander, Adolf Hitler included. These fortified chambers had installed better communication technological systems and had space for strategising and planning.

3. Secret Transportation

The Underground also had the function of the illicit transit system. But it importantly allowed the transfer of troops, resources and even Nazi leaders on the move without alerting spies on the ground or in the sky.

Some trains and tunnels were reserved for the military’s use as the way to provide faster and unnoticeable movement of people and items within the area.

Berlin today or Deepening and Expanding the Understanding of the Today’s Berlin ### Source: not found

Still today some of these digs from the Berlin Underground during World War II are open for visiting and further exploration. These sites offer a unique opportunity to witness the underground network that played a significant role during the war:

1. Berlin War Bunker

It is a notorious fact that Reinhardtstraße housed one of the biggest bunkers in Berlin – the Berlin War Bunker. It too has been converted to a museum today to enable visitors to more fully grasp what it was like living underground during the war.

2. Führerbunker

Adolf Hitler’s last hide out known as the Führerbunker is also another important historical sites that would be recommended. Nevertheless the original bunker no longer stands, with only a historical monument being left to mark the spot after the war.

3. Gesundbrunnen Bunker

Gesundbrunnen Bunker is situated at Gesundbrunnen station and was the key bunker during the world war. Today it is a museum in which people can get an idea of the life of German civilian during the bombings.

Conclusion

The Berlin Underground in World War II had many purposes for the citizens of Berlin and the military forces. Starting from serving as roof over heads to acting as a transport corridor- it cannot be overemphasized. Seeing the rest of the underground and other historical locations in Berlin does help to understand the wartime history of the city, as well as the ability of its people to survive one of the most cruel periods in history.