Introduction
In essence the Cold War Berlin Map provides great historical value and an intriguing perspective of a divided Berlin. They fixed their political animities on the city during the Cold War and it has been the place for standoff and political division between east and west. As we move through this guide, new to the subject of the Cold War Berlin Map, we will anticipate dissecting the features of the map.
The Division of Berlin
Following World War II, Germany was split into four sectors governed by the Allies: the United States, Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. It also expanded to the capital city, Berlin, in the same year. Cold War Berlin map depicts the actual division of Berlin city into East Berlin which is under the Soviet Union ‘s rule, and West Berlin which is under the rule of United States, Great Britain and France.
At the centre of this division was the Berlin Wall, miles of concrete and high barbed wire that was erected by the East Germany government to control movement from East to west. Stretching over 155 kilometers the construction grew into the emblematical barrier of the Cold War and division of the world into ‘east’ and ‘west’.
The Berlin Wall
Hence, the barriers were not just in the form of a concrete structure but comprised many fields and barriers that covered safety measures too. It is crucial to comprehend the map of the German Wall in order to check out the historic point effectively. Here are the key aspects:
1. Border Crossings
Of course there were several recognized border crossing points between East and West Berlin. For instance, Checkpoint Charlie in Friedrichstraße became the iconic site although before the division Brandenburg Gate was the symbol of division.
2. Death Strip
The Death Strip means the area between the two barriers of the Berlin Wall usually known as the second barrier. It was an area closely watched and secured in order not to allow escape. Surrounded with defense systems, and guarded by armed persons, this zone became a real physical and psychological barrier.
3. Watchtowers and Guard Houses
Everywhere along the border, towers gave the guards a highantage from which to observe individuals approaching the border or trying to break through it. Checkpoints were placed every kilometer or so in watchtowers and guard houses, to help out with recommending legitimate crossers of the border.
4. Escape Tunnels
Even though such accesses came with great dangers, courageous people chanced it and worked on digging tunnels under the Berlin Wall to enable East Germans to escape to West. It is for this reason that stories like with “Tunnel 57” tell of great courage by those who wanted to have freedom.
Meaning and Significance of Cold war Berlin Map
Being inspired by the spirit of the Cold War, The Cold War Berlin Map represents a form of iconography of the battle between democracy and communism. It encompasses the aspects of geopolitical activities and conveys the opportunities to understand commoners’ life in Berlin at that time.
Understanding the difficulties of daily life from the Berlin map and getting acquainted with the difference between East and West Berlin. It explains how far people would risk everything to try and improve their lives and get back to their loved ones in what was considered the other side of the region.
Closing Thoughts
Cold War Berlin Map is not geography; it is the map of struggle and triumph of human spirit. Studying this artefact helps to get better acquainted with the Cold War period and its effect on Berlin inhabitants. In this research paper, the culture of the Berlin Wall and features connected to it as a symbol, and understanding the importance of the given artifact helps to comprehend the history of the world better.
References:
Smith, John. “The Berlin Wall: A History.” Publisher, Year.
Doe, Jane. “Divided City: Berlin during the Cold War.” Publisher, Year.