Introduction
Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is historically important today because of the Cold War that divided the world into two. In this blog article, the author will describe the history of the Berlin during the Cold War and find out the monuments that symbolized the split of the city.
Background of the Cold War
The tension between the United States and the Soviet Union known as Cold War started after world war II and ended early 1990’s. The division of Germany into East and West: Exactly the further intensification of this conflict.
The Division of Berlin
After world War II, Germany was occupied by four powers; The United States, The Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and France. Thus, not only did the German capital Berlin get divided into four zones of control by the occupation powers, the Soviet Union included, but each of these zones was further subdivided into four sectors.
The Berlin Wall
Berlin border was built in 1961 by East Germany, with the intention of restricting movement of its citizens to West Germany. The wall was characteristic of the Cold War serving as the mushy dividing line between families, friends, and communities for nearly three decades.
The earlier Berlin Partition divided the city in two, running right through city streets, through different districts, through buildings. Barbed wired fences, watch towers and checkpoint were making the barrier more stronger and was making a clear distinction between East and west Berlin.
The Cold War changed the face of Berlin and left numerous memorable landmarks, related to this time can be listed as follows:
1. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was perhaps the most recognized border between east and West Berlin during most of the cold war period. They had been used as border control points and some of them have seen some historical related events occur. As of present, a replica of the mentioned checkpoint still remains as unto the divided city.
2. The Brandenburg Gate
As one of the major symbols of Berlins, Brandenburg gate itself embodied division of the city during cold war period. Similiar to the Brandenburg Gate, this is a neoclassical structure that was erected in East Berlin, or specifically, in the area where the Wall was erected to separate East ‘and West Berlin’. Since then it has been become commonly associated with reunification and first steps towards it after the wall was opened in 1989.
3. East Side Gallery
East Side Gallery is the extended wall dividing the East and West with remaining works of the Berlin Wall where a vast number of images are tangibly painted. The paintings reflecting freedom the vigor of thought and the act of hope is apparent in this highly spirited artwork.
4. Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial gives a palette on the wall section and a part of the death strip, as well as explaining the feeling of actual life during the Cold War. The exhibition strengthens people’s concern with understanding the division of the country and the fight for liberty.
5. Stasi Museum
One of the major attractions of visit in Berlin is the Stasi Museum where the apparatus is seen…the instruments, ways and means by which the Stasi spied on the population of East Germany. It provides a nearly unique perspective on what life was like under the dictatorship that presided over East Germany during the Cold War.
Conclusion
The Cold War evidence in the form of dividing Berlin Wall also depicts the suffering of Berlin’s citizens and issues of an ideological fight. When walking through the modern city, looking into the cold war map of Berlin today and watching stories from the residents themselves, we can get a better glimpse into the past and really marvel at the present uniting of the two sides.
Disclaimer: Please remember that this is just an informational blog. It is suggested to go to museums and other official sources in order to get a broader perspective on the Cold War history of the city.
