The intriguing history behind the Berlin Wall

Germany is a country which has lots of unique architecture with a fine blend of traditional European structures as well as modern eclectic ones. One such structure is the Berlin Wall or Berliner Mauer as it is called in German. This is not just any other wall covered in graffiti. It has a lot of historical significance and hence, has become a major tourist attraction. 

Let us understand what makes this wall so intriguing.  

Why was the Berlin Wall created 
The end of World War II resulted in Germany becoming a divided nation. Germany’s adversaries in the war were mainly the United States, France, Great Britain and the then Soviet Union. Germany lost this war and as a result, these four countries took control over certain parts of the defeated country. The loss had evidently weakened the German military power, economy as well as morale. The former three countries then chose to unify their German territories and form West Germany. However, the Soviet Union did not participate in this unification and independently controlled East Germany.  

The German capital city of Berlin existed completely within East Germany, i.e., under Soviet Union’s territory. Although it was in the Soviet Union territory, Berlin was divided into two parts- East Berlin (capital of East Germany) and West Berlin. Thus, geographically, West Berlin was surrounded by East Germany even if it was not a part of it.  

People living in East Germany were dissatisfied there as a consequence of Soviet Union’s harsh governance. There was a strong desire among East Gerans to flee the Soviet rule and head towards West Germany. It is estimated that around 2-2.5 million people left Eastern Germany to move to the West in the span of a decade (1949-1961.) In order to stop these people, the Soviet government constructed what is known as the Berlin Wall. 

What was The Berlin Wall made of? 
Formerly, the Wall was not a completely concrete structure. However, the East German government made it more concrete later. It had barbed wire, and also electric fences in certain places. It extends up to 155 kilometres, and is completely separated West Berlin from East Germany. Armed soldiers guarded this wall to ensure that no one tried to cross it. Many people yet managed to cross it, many were caught by the guards and a few were also killed.  

Unification of East and West Germany 
The year 1989 witnessed the unification of East Germany and West Germany as the Soviet Government controlling the eastern part of the country was forced out. The borders between these two historic parts were opened up and soon after, the wall was also broken down. It was a time of rejoice for Germans as their entire country was reunited once again.