The Berlin Wall

Berlin Blockade

(June 1948) The Soviet Union, under the leadership of Stalin, blocked all access to West Berlin

Facts about the collapse of Communism

1) The Soviet Union broke up into numerous independent countries 2) Communism failed because of the never-ending shortages of food, clothing, and shelter for its citizens 3) The Berlin Wall was destroyed and Germany eventually became a single country again.

Brandenburg Gate

A Berlin landmark, once a main city entrance, later closed by the Berlin Wall. Once again reopened with the removal of the Wall

Berlin Wall

A structure built in 1961 that divided East and West Berlin

Number of successful escapes over the Wall and into West Berlin

Around 5,000 people managed to escape At least 138 people were killed making the effort

Escape Tunnels

At least 75 tunnels were dug under the Berlin Wall Quite a few were started in the West

When the Berlin Wall was built

August 1961

Berlin

Capital of Germany located in East Germany that was divided into two separate cities, one side democratic and the other side Soviet-controlled

West Germany

Democratic country supported by the US and its Western allies

West Berlin

Democratic section of Berlin enclosed by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War

Vienna Summit Conference

Kennedy and Khrushchev met to discuss Berlin Khrushchev gave Kennedy an ultimatum, saying that the Soviet Union will sign a treaty with East Germany by December 31 if the US refuses an interim agreement to lave Berlin. To this, Kennedy replied, "Then, Mr. Chairman, there will be a war. It will be a cold, long winter."

Walter Ulbricht

Leader of East Germany from 1950-1971.

Ronald Reagan

Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall!"

Date Berlin Wall came down

November 9, 1989

Purpose of the Berlin Wall

Prevent East Germans and East Berliners from permanently moving to the democratic West

Additional features of the Berlin Wall

Round pipe top Hedgehogs and anti-vehicle trenches to prevent vehicles from approaching the wall Dog corridors Guard towers Fakir beds to puncture tires Electrical fences

East Germany

Soviet-controlled area of Germany that was Communist

The people fleeing East Germany to permanently live in the democratic West?

The "young intellectuals"

Western allies reaction to the Berlin Blockade

The Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles). Great Britain and America flew in food, water, and coal to West Berlin's 2 million people.

East Berlin

The communist section of Berlin that was occupied by the Soviet Union until 1990.

Checkpoint Charlie

The most well-known checkpoint in the Berlin Wall to cross between East and West Berlin. Manned by the US