BERLIN WALL
“Walk on the wall” is considered to be the major tourist attraction of Berlin. It not only signifies rein of cold war but also a landmark on the history of Berlin. It is a divider between east and West Berlin since it was constructed in 1961. However, it was dismantled in 1989, after the death of thousands of people trying to escape to East Germany. Still it has been a major tourist attraction of Berlin.
Just a few dates detailing about Berlin Wall:
- In 1945, when world war got over, Berlin was divided into 4 sectors namely American, French, British and Soviet.
- Gradually, in 1948 Berlin was divided into 2 currency zones.
- In 1949 West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) and East Germany (German Democratic Republic) were founded.
- In 1952, borders between east and West Germany were closed whereas borders were still open between west and East Germany.
- 1961 done closed Brandenburg Gate and construction of Berlin wall with it follows the enclosed borders between West and East Berlin.
- In 1989 Berlin wall and Brandenburg Gate were opened followed by reunited Germany in 1990.
Construction of Berlin Wall
Construction of Berlin wall was a surprise for everyone. Two months prior to the construction in 1961, in an international press conference, it was not thought by anyone that a wall would be constructed between so soon. It was 12 th august night that the construction of the wall was thought off and the work started soon by 13 august, 1961. This 45 km long wall was a barrier formed by East German troop inside own territory. It was made sure that this wall did not encroach West Germany in any case.
The immediate effects of this division were terrible, like any other partition would result to. Families were torn apart and it took may years for members of one family to meet. All the ways were sealed; hence, trade was fully devastated between the two divided continents. Rather, this wall witnessed many deaths before it was dismantles. The number of deaths is said to be 130 but other studies showed that there were thousands of people who lost their lives while encroaching to East Germany. Hence, this wall construction demanded blood and its devastation also ended with thousands of innocent lives.
The fall and celeberations:
It took over 28 years to get the differences settled. It was 1989 when this wall was dismantled and official passage was allowed through it. The restrictions with Austria were removed and thousands of thousands of East German tourists were allowed to use this wall to escape to Austria in September.
Major celebrations took place after the settlement between the east and western parts. “No more walls, no more wars” was one of the few slogans that was written on the chipped wall so as to celebrate the unified Germany. Rather a concert regarding the end of wall was thrown by Leonard to celebrate the fall of wall. The orchestra and chores were drawn from East Germany to West Germany to celebrate their freedom from wars.
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