The Berlin Wall

1
The Berlin Wall

• 1961-1989

• Background
• Why Was The Wall Built?
• Construction
• Why Was The Wall Built?
• Crossing The Border
• Economics Effects Of The Berlin Wall
• Social Effects Of The Berlin Wall
• Political Effects Of The Berlin Wall
• Kennedys Visit To Berlin
• Ich Bin Ein Berliner
• Escapes To The West
• The Fall Of The Berlin Wall

2
Background To The Wall

• After World War II, Germany was divided into four
  sectors with the United States, Britain, France,
  and the Soviet Union all occupying a sector.
• Berlin was then subdivided into four sectors as
  well.
• The American, British, and French sectors
  combined to form the Federal Republic of Germany
  while the Soviet zone formed the German
  Democratic Republic.

Divided Berlin
3
Construction

• Construction 45 km around the three western
  sectors began early on Sunday, the 13th of
  August, 1961.
• The wall was built by Germans only and involved
  no help from the Soviets.
• The wall was actually built slightly inside the
  border line to ensure no part of the wall was on
  the West German side.
• During the construction, soldiers would stand in
  front of the barrier to ensure no one would cross
  and were instructed to shoot anyone who attempted
  it.

4
Why Was The Wall Built?

• More than 2.6 million East Germans escaped to
  West Berlin from 1949 to 1961.
• Total population of East Germany was 17 million.
• Life in the West was much more stable. The west
  had received aid from the Marshall plan.
• In East Germany, like the Soviet Union, a
  communist system was established and many
  suffered under the repressions of the communist
  party.
• Not only was people escaping from East Berlin a
  problem for East Germany but westerners coming in
  was also a problem.
• Because of the differing economies and forms of
  government, the exchange rate was different
  therefore people from the west would often travel
  to Berlin just to purchase items at a lower price.

5
Crossing The Border

• There were a total of eight border crossings
  between East and West Berlin.
• Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous of these
  crossings. This was restricted to Allied
  personnel and non-German citizens.
• Mirrors were often run underneath cars to make
  sure there were no people hanging from the
  vehicle.
• Strict passport checks and searches were required
  for all crossings.

6
Economic Effects Of The Berlin Wall

• West Berliners could no longer enter to just
  shop.
• Many imports were stopped therefore the domestic
  economy rose.
• Tourists heavy currency was welcomed in East
  Berlin because of its huge value.

7
Social Effects Of The Berlin Wall

• Many families were split and unable to reach each
  other
• East Berliners were cut off from their jobs
• Chance of financial prosperity for many was lost.
• West Berlin was an isolated enclave in a hostile
  land

8
Political Effects Of The Berlin Wall

• US became more concerned about the balance of
  power.
• President Kennedy traveled to West Berlin to make
  clear the USs foreign policy
• West Berlin is now surrounded by a Soviet Bloc.
  Possible takeover is a worry.
• Tension between East and West Germany rose.
• Some considered the wall as a communist defeat.

9
Kennedys Visit To Berlin

• On June 23, 1963, President Kennedy visited West
  Berlin where he gave a public speech criticizing
  communism.
• He used the construction of the wall as an
  example of the failure of communism.
• Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is
  not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall
  up to keep our people in.

10
Ich Bin Ein Berliner

• Translates to I am a citizen of Berlin
• Said by President Kennedy while making a speech
  in West Berlin
• During the speech, Kennedy was underlining the
  support of the United States towards West Germany
  after East Germany had erected the Berlin Wall.
• A clear re-statement of the USs policy.
• Aimed at the Soviets as well
• Marked the first instance East Berlin was
  considered part of the Soviets Soviet Bloc.
• Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was I
  am a Roman citizen. Today, in the world of
  freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein
  Berliner'...All free men, wherever they may live,
  are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free
  man, I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein
  Berliner!'

11
Escapes To The West

• During the first days of the wall, many were able
  to escape but as time went on, the wall became
  harder and harder to fortify.
• Climbing, tunnels, and jumping from border
  buildings were all common attempts to reach the
  west.
• East German soldiers were instructed to shoot
  down anyone attempting to escape.
• 171 people were killed trying to escape over the
  course of the 28 years.

Peter Fechter
12
Fall Of The Berlin Wall

• In the autumn of 1989, mass demonstrations
  against the government began in East Berlin.
• The leader of East Germany, Erich Honecker,
  resigned in October of 1989 and was replaced by
  Egon Krenz.
• These protests are often called the peaceful
  revolution of autumn 1989.
• After these, it was clear the wall would no
  longer last and border crossings began to open.
• On December 22, 1989, the Brandenburg Gate, the
  most famous gate, was opened.
• The fall of the Wall was the first step toward
  German reunification, which was finalized on
  October 3, 1990.

13
Bibliography

• http//www.dailysoft.com/berlinwall/
• http//www.newseum.org/berlinwall/
• Need to add the three general sources