The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a significant event that marked the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. It had a profound impact on Germany, Europe, and the world. In this article, we will explore the historical background leading up to the construction of the wall, its purpose, and the circumstances surrounding its fall.
1. The Construction of the Berlin Wall
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the victorious Allied powers: the United States, Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. Tensions between the Soviet Union and the other three powers escalated, leading to the formation of two separate countries: Former East Germany also known as the German Democratic Republic and the latter; West Germany also known as the Federal Republic of Germany.
This was to deter large scale movement of the eastern Germans to the western where they hoped to escape from the hardship of the socialist system that the soviet union was imposing through their junior partners the east Germany authorities, this led to the construction of the barbed wire known as the Berlin Wall. This wall enclosed East and West Berlin and served as an impediment to all the East Germans from crossing over to the West.
1.1 The Border Control Measures
Besides the actual wall, the East German government set up numerous techniques of border control in order to prevent people from fleeing to the West. This consisted of border guards, security barbed wire fence, watch towers and no go area manned with armed protection. The Great wall later represented the height of division between the capitalists and communists.
- Life Behind the Wall
The German families and friends and all the loved ones got divided by the Berlin Wall and that division physically hurt a lot. Also, it established the differences in the way people optimized their living spaces and the political profiles of East and West Germany.
East Germany was a socialist country affiliated to the socialist block led by the Soviet Union. Most of the aspects of personal lives as well as those of media and economy were closely regulated by the government. On the other hand West Germany chose to be an advocate of capitalist, democratic and market economy nations.
2.1 Attempt to escape and Tragedy
However, the situation in the GDR was that many people had tried to flee to the West regardless of the given risks. Some burrowed into trenches, others hid on vehicles, and others had to employ rudimentary hot air balloons. Such attempts were very often costly in terms of human life, and people perished when attempting the assassinations.
- The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The catalyst for the fall of the Berlin Wall was a series of political changes and protests that swept through Eastern Europe in the late 1980s. People were demanding democracy, freedom, and an end to the oppressive regimes in the region.
Later on, on November 9th in 1989 specifically, the East Germany government made an official statement that its people are free for crossing the border. It took hours for thousands of happy reunified East and West German people who clamored over the wall and cheerfully demolished it.
3.1 Global Significance
The breaking of the Berlin Wall marked the completion of the Cold War. In its allure this was a symbol of hope, reunification, and liberty. It brought a new phase in the super power relationship and the consequent unification of Germany and the breakup of the Soviet Union.
- Legacy and Remembrance
Today, tourists’ prospects of Berlin are living memorials, which tell the historic story of the division in Germany. Both Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery are symbolic places, which allow you to witness the history in details.
The failure of the Berlin Wall is one of the genuine teachings as to the victory of liberty over tyranny. It is for the fact that even in universally known difficult times there exists hope and coming together.
Conclusion
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a pivotal moment in history, representing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. It was a triumph for democracy, freedom, and the aspirations of millions who longed for a better future. The impact of this event resonates even today, reminding us of the power of unity and the desire for a more peaceful world.