History of the Berlin Wall

After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupying zones split between the Allied powers. Two years later, due to an increasingly hostile political climate, the US, UK and French zones combined into one zone.

The Soviet Union's Eastern Bloc in an attempt to seize more power and bring all of Germany under Soviet control, instituted many things, the most notable of which was the Berlin Blockade, preventing food, materials and supplies from arriving in West Berlin. The allied response was known as the Berlin Airlift that assisted those cut off by dropping off food and supplies.

Eventually the the Soviets ceased the blockade, but the conflict changed Berlin for years to come. The eastern block took complete control over East Germany, forming the German Democratic Republic, and the allies helped form the Federal republic of Germany in West Germany.

Many people found ways to emigrate from East Germany to West Germany easily in the 50's which angered the Soviets and led to what they called the "Brain Drain". Many of their young working citizens were leaving East Germany costing them billions of dollars.

East German troops and workers had begun to tear up streets running alongside the border to make them impassable to most vehicles, and to install barbed wire entanglements and fences along the 97 miles around the three western sectors, and the 27 miles that divided West and East Berlin.

Soldiers stood in front of it with orders to shoot anyone who attempted to defect. Additionally, chain fences, walls, minefields, and other obstacles were installed along the length of the inner-German border between East and West Germany.

Many families were split, while East Berliners employed in the West were cut off from their jobs. West Berlin became an isolated enclave in a hostile land.

While many people continued to try to cross the border to the West the two halves of a once great city attempted to cope on its own. It is estimated that around 100-200 people were killed attempting to cross the border.

"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" - Ronald Reagan

After the wall came down Germans reunited with their friends and family that they hadn't seen in decades and the great country of Germany was once again united. The Berlin Wall symbolized the Cold War in a nushell and its collapse signaled the end of the conflict. The wall has not only effect Germany for the remainder of its existence but helped shape Europe for decades to come.