The Berlin Wall: History, Amazing Facts, and Things to Do
The Berlin Wall was a barrier between East and West Germany that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was built by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) and was meant to keep East German citizens from escaping to West Germany. The wall was a symbol of the Cold War and became a symbol of oppression and division for the German people.
History of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961, two years after the end of World War II. The city of Berlin had been divided into four sectors, with the Western sectors controlled by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, and the Eastern sector controlled by the Soviet Union. After World War II, Germany was divided into two countries, East Germany and West Germany. East Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union and West Germany was controlled by the Western powers.
In 1961, the East German government began to build a wall between East and West Berlin to prevent East Germans from escaping to West Germany. The wall was made of concrete and barbed wire and was heavily guarded by East German troops. The wall was almost 12 feet high and stretched for over 96 miles.
The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and of the division between East and West Germany. It was a source of tension between the two countries and a reminder of the oppressive nature of the East German government. In 1989, the wall was opened and East and West Germany were reunited.
Amazing Facts about the Berlin Wall
• The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 and was in place for 28 years.
• The Berlin Wall was 96 miles long and 12 feet high.
• Over 100 people were killed trying to escape over the Berlin Wall.
• The Berlin Wall was opened in 1989 and East and West Germany were reunited.
• The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and the division between East and West Germany.
Things to Do at the Berlin Wall
• Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial: The Berlin Wall Memorial is located in the Mitte district of Berlin and is a memorial to the victims of the Berlin Wall. The memorial includes a visitors’ center, an outdoor exhibition, and a memorial to the victims of the wall.
• Take a Tour of the Berlin Wall: There are several tours available of the Berlin Wall, including walking tours, bike tours, and bus tours. These tours will take you to some of the most important sites along the wall and will give you a better understanding of its history and impact.
• Visit Checkpoint Charlie: Checkpoint Charlie was one of the most famous checkpoints along the Berlin Wall and was the only point of entry and exit between East and West Berlin. Today, it is a museum and a popular tourist attraction.
• Visit East Side Gallery: The East Side Gallery is a 1.3-mile-long open-air gallery along the Berlin Wall. It features over 100 murals painted by artists from around the world and is a popular tourist attraction.
• Visit the Topography of Terror: The Topography of Terror is a museum located on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters in Berlin. The museum is dedicated to documenting the history of Nazi terror in Germany and is a must-see for those interested in the history of the Berlin Wall.