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When Did the Berlin Wall Go Up and Down?

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

Let us begin our blog post with a brief background about the German wall also known as the Berlin wall. In this article, the chronic history of this famous site that divided East and West Berlin during the period of the Cold War is to be described. Let’s dive in!

Limiting factors that advanced serious tensions and hostility were; The Construction of the Berlin Wall.

The construction of the Berlin Wall started on August 13, 1961, by the German Democratic Republic or commonly referred to also as East Germany . The action that led to the construction of the wall was in a bid to stem the increasing number of East Germans who was seeking opportunity in West Germany.

The erection of the wall was at night with soldiers, police and construction people constructing the fence. According to White, elements such as concrete segments, barbed wire, watchtowers as well as anti-vehicle trenches were used to construct the wall.

Why ‘X’ Was Built

The main cause behind the construction of Berlin Wall was the need to curtail the flow of talented and useful workers from East Germany to West Germany. The GDR also wanted to stop the brain drain and change how society perceived the GDR as a socialist country.

Impact on Berliners

It unchangeably influenced the experience of living in Berlin Berlin Wall. Everyone was left stranded at night even with their families and friends, while people in the eastern side of the city lost connection with the west. The wall is considered the symbol of sorrow and deep anguish for those people who were separated from their family members and friends.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

The event of negotiable tearing down the Wall of Berlin was a historical sign of the Cold War as well as German’s reunification. The unfolding sequence that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall happened on November, 9 1989.

Political Changes

The decline of the soviet power, transformation of eastern Europe and intensification of pressures from the worldwide civil society were determinants of political changes. The leadership of East Germany found itself in enormous pressure of its own citizens demanding freedom of speech and right to travel to western part of the country.

Announcement and Celebration

A quiet news that came from East Germany on November 9, 1989, Bogged down the citizens travelling restriction without much follow up. People flocked to the checkpoints in Berlin chucking sidewalk barriers resulting to pop up celebrations such as at Berlin’s Brandenburg gate. Both, East and West Germans worked together to tear down parts of the ‘wall’ to view unification and liberty.

Legacy of the Berlin Wall

Therefore the Berlin Wall is more than just a concrete structure. The bread and butter of the movie is the uality of the Germans’ in the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990. Such event would also be the ending of cold war period, whereby the world was divided between two opposing views.

Historical Significance

Berlin Wall has become an embodiment of tyranny and segregation. It comes with a warning of what happens when one tries to put chains on a man’s Will. It’s purpose is to celebrate man’s spirit and his success in rising above his environment and circumstances.

Memorials and Museums

Now, there are numerous monuments and museums in the capital of Germany which were devoted to the memory of the Berlin Wall. The most famous of them is the ‘Bernauer Strasse’ that is dedicated exclusively to the historical background as well as to the people’s stories associated with the chosen theme.

Conclusion

Most people are familiar with the Berlin Wall because it divided East and West Berlin for twenty-eight years until its destruction in 1989. As built and destroyed they have impressive historical value. Today, all these symbolizes freedom, strength, hard work and the call for unity among the people.

It is our sincere hope that you stayed with us throughout this blog post because it covered the timeline and the importance of the Berlin Wall in history. If you have any questions or if you would like to know more then you are welcome to contact us.

When Did the Berlin Wall Go Up and Down?