In August 1961, under the directive of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, East German leader Walter Ulbricht initiated the physical division of Berlin. During the night of August 12-13, soldiers laid over 100 miles of barbed wire, which later transformed into a formidable concrete wall, standing six feet high and stretching 96 miles. This structure was reinforced with guard towers, machine-gun posts, and continual patrolling by the Volkspolizei, the East German police force.
The sudden closure left many Berliners isolated from their loved ones. West Berliners, led by their mayor Willi Brandt, rallied against this division, denouncing Western democracies for their muted response. President John F. Kennedy openly stated that while the United States could assist West Berliners, any actions for East Germans were likely to be unproductive.
The Berlin Wall emerged as a central symbol of the Cold War. In June 1963, Kennedy’s iconic “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech depicted Berlin as a bastion of freedom against oppression. To deter escape attempts, the Wall was raised to ten feet in 1970, as daily escapes highlighted the desperation of many East Germans. Over its existence, approximately 5,000 managed to flee, with tragic incidents of shootings of defectors amplifying animosity towards the barrier.
By the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union weakened, East Germany began enacting liberal reforms. The historic moment came on November 9, 1989, when masses converged on the Wall, dismantling this emblem of oppression. This spirited movement culminated in the reunification of East and West Germany, formalised with a treaty on October 3, 1990.
In August 1961, East Germany constructed the Berlin Wall, isolating West Berliners from their families and friends. The Wall became a symbol of the Cold War, heavily patrolled and enforced. Significant events, including Kennedy’s famous speech and attempts to escape, marked its history. The Wall fell on November 9, 1989, leading to German reunification in 1990.
The division of Berlin, marked heavily by the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, showcased the tensions of the Cold War era. As a symbol of oppression, it sustained its significance until its dismantling in 1989, which heralded the reunification of Germany. The Wall’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle for freedom and the impermanence of borders in a world striving for unity.
Original Source: www.history.com
