Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. Constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany), starting on 13 August 1961, the Wall cut off West Berlin from virtually all of surrounding East Germany and East Berlin until government officials opened it in November 1989. Its demolition officially began on 13 June 1990 and was completed in 1992. The barrier included guard towers placed along large concrete walls, which circumscribed a wide area (later known as the “death strip”) that contained anti-vehicle trenches, “fakir beds” and other defenses.
History
The Berlin Wall was the most iconic symbol of the Cold War and its fall in 1989 marked the approaching end of the conflict. In 1945, following the defeat of Nazi Germany, the four Allied powers divided the city of Berlin into four occupation zones, which were administered by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. In 1949, the three Western powers combined their zones into West Berlin and the Soviet zone became East Berlin.
The East German government, established in 1949, was determined to gain control over the entire city. In an effort to prevent the outflow of refugees from East Germany to West Germany, the East German government began to build a barrier between the two parts of the city in 1961. This barrier became known as the Berlin Wall.
Construction of the Wall
The Berlin Wall was built in two phases. The first phase began on 13 August 1961, when the East German government began to erect barbed wire and wooden fences around West Berlin. This phase was completed on 15 August, when the barbed wire and fences were replaced with a concrete wall that completely encircled West Berlin.
The second phase of the wall’s construction began on 17 June 1962 and involved the installation of guard towers, searchlights, anti-vehicle trenches, and other fortifications. This phase was completed on 26 June, when the last section of the wall was finished.
Features of the Wall
The Berlin Wall was made up of two concrete walls that were 3.6 m (12 ft) high and 4 m (13 ft) wide. The two walls were separated by a “death strip” that was up to 160 m (525 ft) wide and contained guard towers, anti-vehicle trenches, “fakir beds” (beds of nails), and other fortifications.
Guard Towers
The guard towers were placed along the top of the wall and were equipped with searchlights and machine guns. The towers were manned by East German border guards who were instructed to shoot anyone who attempted to cross the wall.
Anti-Vehicle Trenches
The anti-vehicle trenches were designed to prevent people from driving vehicles through the wall. The trenches were up to 3 m (10 ft) wide and filled with sand or gravel.
Fakir Beds
The “fakir beds” were designed to prevent people from crawling through the wall. The beds were made up of wooden boards covered with nails or barbed wire.
Fall of the Wall
The Berlin Wall fell on 9 November 1989, when East German authorities opened the gates and allowed people to cross freely into West Berlin. The fall of the wall marked the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
Legacy of the Wall
The Berlin Wall has become an enduring symbol of the divisions of the Cold War and a reminder of the oppressive regimes of East Germany. The wall’s legacy continues to be felt in Berlin and around the world.
- Memorials: The Berlin Wall Memorial is a memorial to those who lost their lives trying to cross the wall. The memorial includes a documentation center, a visitors center, and a section of the wall that has been preserved.
- Museums: The Berlin Wall Museum is dedicated to the history of the wall and its legacy. The museum contains artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the wall and its fall.
- Monuments: The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km (0.8 mi) long section of the wall that has been preserved and painted by artists. The gallery is a popular tourist attraction and is a reminder of the divisions of the Cold War.
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