History - Berlin Wall
Why was the Berlin Wall built reason 1?
West Germany became more prosperous than East Germany. Stalin had forbidden Marshall aid in East Berlin. West Germany had access to it. East Germany suffered from poor housing, food shortages, and low wages. 25% of industrial output going to Soviet Union, there was no evidence the situation would improve.
What were the consequences of building the wall?
All the crossing points were sealed, except for one known as 'checkpoint Charlie'. Families were divided. Berliners were unable to go to work. Border guards kept look out for anyone trying to cross the wall. They had instructions to shoot anyone who tried, hundreds were killed in the next three decades.
Why was the Berlin Wall built - reason 2?
East Germans left to go to West Germany. East German government tried to stop the flow westwards in 1952 but there remained one place were any East German could travel to the west - Berlin. By 1961 around 3 million had left to go to West Berlin including skilled workers who East Germany could not afford to lose. West Berlin was a worry and a embarrassment.
What happened after October 1961?
Kruschev ordered Ulbricht not to do anything to provoke the Americans. Kennedy said 'it is not a very nice solution, but a wall is a hell of a lot better than a war'. The wall remained until 1990 becoming a symbol of division.
When was the Berlin Wall built?
13th August 1961, began overnight on a Sunday. On the 15th concrete slabs started to be laid.
What was happening in Berlin in the 1950s?
People could travel freely to the West. Very tempting to leave East Berlin, nearly a million citizens left the GDR for the west, causing an enormous brain drain. By 1956 nearly 90% of emigrants came through the border at Berlin.
What was the role of West Berlin?
Showcase of liberty and freedom in a Communist sea. Link with the free world, beacon of hope behind the iron curtain.
What was happening in Eastern Europe 1956?
Some people wanted to leave Eastern Europe for political or economic reasons. Standards of living were falling far behind the West. The contrast was great in Berlin. East Germans could see the full shops, great freedom, wealth and variety in West Berlin.
What was the West's reaction to the wall?
The wall caused a major crisis, access to East Berlin had been guaranteed to the allies since 1946. In October 1961 US diplomats and troops crosses regularly into East Berlin to find out how the soviets would react. On 27th October soviet tanks pulled up outside checkpoint Charlie and refused to let them enter. After 18hours the tanks pulled back.
