THE BERLIN WALL
The tension between East and West Berlin in the months leading up to the destruction of The Berlin Wall was immense. The societies of East and West Berlin had not mixed for a long period of time due to the fact that a wall had been erected to divide them. Differences in government and varying ways of life divided the people of Eastern Europe for years following World War II and prior to the construction of The Berlin Wall. The wall was originally built in response to the flood of emigrants to the West in search of better economic opportunities. Completion of the wall served as a visible symbol of The Cold War and the beginning of a period of continuous political and economic separation. Prior to the destruction of The Berlin Wall, emigration laws were the main concern the government on both sides. The general aim of The German Democratic Republic, commonly referred to as East Germany, was to keep the people from leaving The Republic.
Filled with chaos, the dramatic hours leading up to The Fall contained several shocking demonstrations by both sides. Borders were crowded and protesters flooded all gates bordering West Berlin. The Fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the breakdown of social barriers and the end to a period of great social hardships.
Following the Nazi surrender in 1945, Berlin, the capital of Germany, was a city in ruins. Because of the Allied victory in World War II, the country of Germany was divided into four occupation zones. Berlin was similarly divided into 4 occupation zones, the Allies occupying the western zones. Shortly after the war, the western zones began to flourish both economically and politically as a result of the Berlin Airlift. The Berlin Airlift was an Allied move against...
Just for your info
the announcement was accidental. The wall wasn't supposed to be opened THAT NIGHT. IT was an announcement that traveling restriction will be eased. But since Schabowski had not been given instructions (the memo was given to him in a minute decision) nobody knew what was going on. East and West Berliners stormed to the wall and after an hour guards positioned on the east side couldn't really do anything. I personally stood at one of the gates as it was opened. Hundreds of people on each side and 2 guards. I don't think they had much of a choice. A bad choice of words, an accident, caused the final fall - amazing, isn't' it?
Good essay though, thanks for reminding me of my hometown. (I live int he US now)
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