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