The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, lasting from the late 1940s to the early 1990s. It had a significant impact on various parts of the world, including Germany (Berlin) and Korea. In this article, we will explore what transpired in these regions during this crucial period.

Germany (Berlin) during the Cold War

After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupied zones: American, British, French and Soviet. Along the same lines, the capital city of Berlin which was located in the essentially deep Soviet-controlled zone was also shared in four sectors. Nevertheless, the situation changed quickly, and the western allies, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France had some conflicts with the Soviet Union.

The Berlin Blockade: with focus on the Airlift

In 1948 the Soviet Union encircled West Berlin by closing all its roads and waterways with an aim of making the western powers to leave the city. This led to the formation of the Berlin Blockade and denial of important supplies and its accessibility to West Berlin.

Instead, the Western Allies devised a plan called the Berlin Airlift through which they squeezed supplies into West Berlin. For a year, planes brought food, fuel and other supplies to West Berlin, which were delivered at Tempelhof Airport. This was successful in opening the blockade and ensuring that people of West Berlin received supplies.

Streets and roads: the construction of the Berlin Wall

The conflict between the eastern and western territories of Germany remained strained even as East Germany sought to cut off people’s access to the west and solidify power in their territory in the summer of 1961 the berlin wall was constructed. In physical respect it separated East and West Berlin since the wall was built to create the German Democratic Republic. It was a very real part of the Cold War and intended to stop East Germans from emigrating to the perceived ‘promised land’ of West.

Erasing of the geographical division for East and West Berlin continued till 1989 when uprising and political transformations in the eastern Germany caused the collapse of the Berlin Wall. this event marked a dramatic events in the german history in particular in the reunification process of the two Germany.

Korea during the Cold War

To simply it, Korea was also divided after World War II just as Germany did. From the end of World War II to the Korean War, North Korea was occupied by the Soviet Union and South Korea was occupied by United States at the 38th Parallel.

The Korean War

In the summer of 1950 a separate South Korea, supported by Soviet Russia and Red China, invaded the North. It was a three-year struggle, and at the end, nobody won; it was a 50-50 situation.

Eventually the war resulted in much destruction as well as loss of so many people’s lives. In 1953 another armistice was agreed and a demilitarised zone (DMZ) was created which still runs today. Again, there are two Koreas up to this date as a result of the Korean War that struck the Korean Peninsula.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The DMZ, that stretches right along the 38th parallel, is actually a demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea. This border is one of the most closely guarded international boundaries; it is also one of the most popular: even tourists are not allowed in without prior permission from the Israeli authorities. The area is a vivid illustration of the stress that exists between the two countries continually.

Conclusion

The Cold War had many impacts on Germany (Berlin) and Korea. In Germany some of the historical milestones include the Berlin Blockade, the Airlift that followed and the construction and its subsequent collapse of the Berlin Wall. In Korea, the division of Korea by development of the Korean War and the Demilitarized Zone is still influencing the region politically.

Studying the history of those areas during the Cold War period helps to get better understanding of the nature of interstate relationships and consequences of ideological animosity. Analyzing these events, people get to know more about the world the present days and the necessity to work together towards the unity.