Architecture and Death – Berlin Wall, Germany

In the early hours of August 13, 1961, East German construction workers flanked by soldiers
and police began tearing up streets and erecting barriers throughout the city of Berlin and its
surroundings. This night marked the beginning of one of history's most infamous
dividing lines, the Berlin Wall. Construction on the wall continued for the next decade as it
cut through neighbourhoods, separated families, and divided not just Germany, but the world.
To understand how we got to this point, we have to go back to World War II. America,
Britain, and France joined forces with the Soviet Union against the Axis Powers. After
they defeated Nazi Germany, each of the victorious nations occupied part of the country. The
division was meant to be temporary, but the former allies found themselves at odd over their
visions for post-war Europe. While Western powers promoted liberal market economies, the
Soviet Union sought to surround itself with obedient Communist nations, including a
weakened Germany. As their relations deteriorated, the Federal Republic of Germany was
formed in the West while the Soviets established the German Democratic Republic in the
East.

The Soviet satellite countries restricted Western trade and movement, so, a virtually
impassable border formed. It became known as the Iron Curtain. In the former German
capital of Berlin, things were particularly complicated. Although the city lay fully within the
East German territory of the GDR, the post-war agreement gave the allies joint
administration. So, America, Britain, and France created a Democratic enclave in Berlin's
western districts.

While East Germans were officially banned from leaving the country, in Berlin, it was
simply a matter of walking, or riding a subway, streetcar or bus, to the Western half, then
traveling on to West Germany or beyond. This open border posed a problem for the East
German leadership. They had staked a claim to represent the Communist resistance against
Hitler and portrayed Western Germany as a continuation of the Nazi regime. While the U.S.
and its allies poured money into West Germany's reconstruction, the Soviet Union extracted
resources from the East as war reparations, making its planned economy even less
competitive.

Life in East Germany passed under the watchful eye of the Stasi, the secret police whose
wiretaps and informants monitored citizens for any hint of disloyalty. While there was
free health care and education in the East, the West boasted higher salaries, more consumer
goods, and greater personal freedom.

By 1961, about 3.5 million people, nearly 20% of the East German population, had left,
including many young professionals. To prevent further losses, East Germany decided to
close the border, and that's where the Berlin Wall came in. Extending for 43 kilometres
through Berlin, and a further 112 through East Germany, the initial barrier consisted of
barbed wire and mesh fencing.

Some Berliners escaped by jumping over the wire or leaving from windows, but as the wall
expanded, this became more difficult. By 1965, 106 kilometres of 3.6-meter-high concrete
barricades had been added topped with a smooth pipe to prevent climbing. Over the coming
years, the barrier was strengthened with spike strips, guard dogs, and even landmines, along
with 302 watchtowers and 20 bunkers

A parallel fence in the rear set off a 100-meter area called the death strip. There, all buildings
were demolished and the ground covered with sand to provide a clear line of sight for the
hundreds of guards ordered to shoot anyone attempting to cross. Nevertheless, nearly 5,000
people in total managed to flee East Germany between 1961 and 1989. Some were diplomats
or athletes who defected while abroad, but others were ordinary citizens who dug tunnels,
swam across canals, flew hot air balloons, or even crashed a stolen tank through the wall.

Yet the risk was great. Over 138 people died while attempting escape. Some shot in full view
of West Germans powerless to help them. The wall stabilized East Germany's economy by
preventing its work force from leaving, but tarnished its reputation, becoming a global
symbol of Communist repression. As part of reconciliation with the East, the Basic Treaty of
1972 recognize East Germany pragmatically while West Germany retained its hope for
eventual reunification.

Although the Eastern regime gradually allowed family visits, it tried to discourage people
from exercising these rights with an arduous bureaucratic process and high fees. Nonetheless,
it was still over whelmed by applications. By the end of the 1980's, the liberalization of other
Eastern Bloc regimes caused mass demonstrations for free travel and demands for
democracy. On the evening of November 9, 1989, East Germany tried to defuse tension by
making travel permits easier to obtain. But the announcement brought thousands of East
Berliners to the border crossing points in the wall, forcing the surprised guards to open the
gates immediately. Rejoicing crowds poured into West Berlin as people from both sides
danced atop the wall. And others began to demolish it with whatever tools they could find.
Although the border guards initially tried to maintain order, it was soon clear that the years of
division were at an end. After four decades, Germany was officially reunified in October
1990. And the Soviet Union fell soon after. Today, parts of the wall still stand as a reminder
that any barriers we put up to impede freedom, we can also break down.