Berlin Wall vs Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that divided Berlin, Germany, from 1961 to 1989. Built by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany), it cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. The Berlin Wall Memorial is a memorial and museum dedicated to the history of the Berlin Wall and its victims.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was constructed by the East German government on 13 August 1961. It was meant to prevent East Germans from escaping to West Germany, which was then a capitalist country. The wall was 155 kilometers (96 miles) long and 4 meters (13 feet) high, and was made up of two parallel walls, with a “death strip” between them. The death strip was a no-man’s land, patrolled by East German guards, who had orders to shoot anyone attempting to cross the wall. Over the years, the wall was strengthened with barbed wire, electric fences, and guard towers.
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and a major source of tension between East and West. The wall was finally opened in 1989, when the East German government was overthrown. The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and democracy in Europe.
Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial is located at Bernauer Strasse in Berlin, where the Berlin Wall once stood. It was opened in 1998 and is dedicated to the victims of the Berlin Wall. The memorial consists of several parts, including an information center, a memorial wall, and a memorial garden.
Information Center
The Information Center at the Berlin Wall Memorial offers visitors an introduction to the history of the Berlin Wall and its victims. The center features exhibitions, films, and other media about the Berlin Wall, as well as an audio guide to the memorial site. Visitors can also take guided tours of the memorial.
Memorial Wall
The Memorial Wall is a concrete replica of the Berlin Wall, built to commemorate the victims of the wall. It stands at the site of the former border between East and West Berlin. The wall is 4 meters (13 feet) high and 155 kilometers (96 miles) long, and is decorated with graffiti and artworks created by artists from around the world.
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden is a peaceful place of remembrance, located next to the Memorial Wall. The garden is home to a memorial stone, which commemorates the victims of the Berlin Wall. The garden also features sculptures and plaques that honor the people who died trying to cross the wall.
The Berlin Wall Memorial is a powerful reminder of the tragedy of the Berlin Wall, and a testament to the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom and democracy. It is a place of reflection, remembrance, and hope for a better future.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall and the Berlin Wall Memorial are two very different, yet equally important, sites in Berlin. The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that divided East and West Berlin, while the Berlin Wall Memorial is a place of reflection and remembrance dedicated to the victims of the wall. Both sites are important reminders of the power of freedom and democracy, and the tragic consequences of oppression.