The consequences of the Berlin Wall

Francisco Anjo

On August 13, 1961, the Communist government of the German Democratic Republic began to build a barbed-wire fence between East and West Berlin. The wire was quickly replaced by a concrete wall, complete with lookout towers and armed guards who had orders to shoot anyone trying to cross into the Western sector. Could you imagine how absurd it would be if that happened nowadays?

Historical context

The political and ideological conflict started to be created at the end of WWII, splitting Germany into two parts, the communists and the capitalists. This event was connected to the Cold war (a conflict set between Americans and Soviets for world hegemony) and affected the entire world, but mostly Germany which was considered a strategic place in the conflict between the USA and the USSR.

The official purpose of the Berlin Wall was to keep Western “fascists” from entering East Germany and undermining the socialist state, however, it primarily served the objective of stemming mass defections from East to West. The dispute of the Cold War was reflected in a competition between these two Germanys.

The investment from its main ally (the USA) made Western Germany's economy thrive and, connected with the amount of population and resources compared to its Eastern neighbors, Western Germany was at a clear advantage.

The rise and fall of the Wall

The Berlin Wall was built as a result of months of negotiations between Eastern Germany and the Soviets. When it came to life, the concrete Wall had an extension of 155 kilometers, and it resulted in massive migrations of people trying to reach the western side. 140 people died trying to cross it.

The Wall fell mostly due to political and economic problems in Eastern Germany and also by the massive protests of the people. After so many years, Germany was finally one.