One thing that people may find confusing if they are studying the history of Berlin is to determine if Alexanderplatz which is a central square in the Germany city was situated in eastern or in the western part of the city. As you will learn in your Berlin history research, Berlin is a city of many layers and having been divided during the Cold War era, it complicates the answer to this question. With this in mind, this blog post shall focus on tracing the status of Alexanderplatz in relation to the geography and history of East and West Berlin.

Roles of the Cold War and division of Berlin meziná

The Cold War and the Division of Berlin

After World War II, Berlin, as the capital of Germany, was divided into four sectors under the control of the Allied powers: they are the United States of America, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and France. Nevertheless, the relations between the Soviet Union and the Western countries intensified with more Build up of the Berlin wall barrier in 1961 cutting across East and West Berlin.

East Berlin: The Soviet Sector

Alexanderplatz is often called “Alex” among those people who lived in Eastern part of the city. Before the division, it serbed as a building of East Germany’s Socialist government, and after the division, it was the center of political and social life of the Soviet sector.

Alexanderplatz in the borough of Mitte has seen a lot of architectural changes during the era of east German regime. Place like the Fernsehturm (the TV Tower), the Weltzeituhr (the World Clock), and the widely known pedestrian signal, the Ampelmännchen became landmarks relating to the square as well as its surroundings.

West Berlin: The Allied Sectors

First of all, it must be mentioned that despite the fact Alexanderplatz is essentially the symbol of East Berlin, its location is a subject of discussion in relation to West Berlin. Though Alexanderplatz was located in the eastern part of the city, it was near the border with the West Berlin.

For instance, Friedrichstraße station which is close to this design was a major transfer point between east and western Berlin. West Berlin was easily distinguished by recognizable structures more connected to the West; Kurfürstendamm known for shopping and Potsdamer Platz for being busy.

Chapter: The fall of the Berlin Wall and unification of Germany.

The division of Berlin can be counted from 1989 when the Berlin wall was finally overpowered by people who demanded freedom and unification. It was also a major turning point in German history for which laid the foundation for the reunification of East and West Germany.

After the reunification, the equally divided parts of Berlin started integrating socially and in the economic aspect. Alexanderplatz, located once again in the center of Berlin was built and reconstructed further in 1960s and early 70s.

Alexanderplatz Today

Nowadays, Alexanderplatz actively used and visited by people as the big popular square for shopping and walking. The site was identified as a significant transportation point, and it has many stores, food outlets, and other leisure facilities. The revolving restaurant in the Fernsehturm gives adequate accomodation to the visitors and a magnificent view of the city The Alexa shopping center in Berlin offers a more contemporary shopping experience.

The surrounding area reveals fragments characteristic of different epochs in the development of the city. Most of the constructions from East German period are still there today, but they are surrounded by modern glass and steel high rises and other architectural marvels.

Some of the items of interests include ;

One advice for anyone who faces the task of traveling to Berlin – visit Alexanderplatz. Besides enjoying the lively atmosphere, there are several key sights worth exploring:

• The Fernsehturm: Sit on a cable car to view the city of Berlin from TV Tower.
• The Weltzeituhr: Wowned by the exquisite art work of the World Clock that depicts time in various parts of the world.
• The Neptune Fountain: Take time and look at how talented this artist is in coming up with such a beautiful fountain.
• The Rotes Rathaus: Find out a pleasant red-brick town hall which is a perfect example of architectural design.
• The Ampelmännchen Shop: Buy yourself an East German souvenir and feel like a big fan of the pedestrian traffic light figure.

Conclusion

Thus, Alexanderplatz is in such part of the city, which was once called East Berlin. Nevertheless, it was close to the border and an important transport junction, thus, it linked to West Berlin as well. Today Alexanderplatz symbolizes post-war rehabilitation and division and finally reunion of Germany. Touring this famous place provides a glimpse of the city’s evolution and an initial picture of the path to reunification.