Why was the Berlin Wall built?
The Berlin Wall was built to separate the people of Berlin during the Cold War.
What was the Cold War?
The Cold War was a time of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. They were the two superpowers, and they didn’t trust each other.
Reasons for building the Berlin Wall
1. Escape to the West: Many East Germans wanted to live in democratic West Germany. They left East Germany in large numbers, which worried the communist government.
2. Brain drain: East Germany’s government was concerned about losing educated professionals to the West, which would hurt their economy and development.
3. Ideological differences: The Soviet Union and the United States had contrasting political systems. The Berlin Wall served as a symbol of the division between communism and democracy.
4. Border control: The Berlin Wall was built to control the flow of people between East and West Berlin. The East German government wanted to prevent spies, traitors, and other undesirables from entering or leaving East Berlin.
Construction and impact of the Berlin Wall
1. Construction: The Berlin Wall was made of concrete and barbed wire. It was built overnight on August 13, 1961, cutting off West Berlin from East Berlin.
2. Separation of families: The construction of the Berlin Wall separated families, friends, and loved ones. People were not allowed to visit or communicate freely with their relatives on the other side.
3. Symbol of oppression: The Berlin Wall became a powerful symbol of the division between East and West and the restrictions placed on the people of East Germany.
4. Fall of the Berlin Wall: On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of East and West Germany.
In conclusion
The Berlin Wall was built to separate the people of Berlin during the Cold War. It was a symbol of the division between East and West and the restrictions placed on the people of East Germany.
