The Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was built by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to prevent people from fleeing to West Berlin, which was under the control of Western Allies. This iconic structure played a significant role in the Cold War, influencing politics, economics, and the lives of people living on both sides.
1. The Background
After the second world war Germany was divided into four parts by the United States of America, United Kingdom, France and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. No less important was the division of Berlin as well: it was situated in the territory of the Soviet zone and was divided into four sectors. Sino-US relations started to worsen, and the Soviet Union started to put pressure on West Berlin in 1948 by blockading it.
As the blockade was lifted, what became evident was that East Germany intended that nobody from that side migrated to the west side of Germany. These led to the construction of what became referred to as the “Berlin Wall,” which the East German government christened ‘Anti Fascist Protection Rampart.’
- Division of Families and communities
The division of the Berlin city geographically is not the only division it caused, it further split families and comrades. Suddenly people were separated from one another and couldn’t go to visit each other or call to catch up. Couples were split, and so were friends.
There are long lists of people who risk dying in order to have a chance of reuniting with their families. The degree of impact could not be measured in terms of personal loss on the surviving or the people who could not escape the situation.
- Political Implications
An obvious indication of the difference between the two systems was gained after the construction of the Berlin Wall. Being an iron curtain to the west, those of the East considered it to be some sort of safeguard against the Imperialism of the west.
Thus, the appearance of the Wall deepens the confrontation between the USA and the USSR. Actually, the Berlin Wall was the main Cold War theme of the division between East and West.
- Escaping to the West
Nevertheless, a large number of people in East Germany tried to flee to West Berlin over the Wall. Others attempted to either jump over it, burrow under it or attempt to make their own hot air balloons. Such attempts led to arrest, being wounded, or killed more often than not.
Some were able to escape which they did, but many others did not have the same luck. The narratives of the fearless people who suffered many losses in order to gain freedom should be praised.
- Fall of the Berlin Wall
Beginning of 1989 marked the beginning of a set of circumstances, which precipitated the Berlin Wall demolition. Pressure from outside Europe, pro-democracy movements, and pressure from the newly freel East and West Berlin lead to the announcement on 9th November 1989 that the Wall would be torn down.
It’s important to understand that whenever people streamed to the streets and started removing barriers that is where the end of the Cold War ended. The German unification in 1990 symbolised a new epoch in the anti structure of Europe.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall was more than just a physical barrier; it represented the division between two opposing ideologies in the Cold War. Its impact on families, communities, and international relations cannot be overstated. The fall of the Wall symbolized the triumph of freedom and unity over oppression and separation.
