The Berlin Wall

After World War II, it was decided that Germany would be divided into four sectors.  The eastern part of the country would be under occupation of the Soviet Union.  The western half of the country would be divided among the United States, Great Britain, and France.  Even though Berlin technically was located within the boundaries of the Soviet Union's zone, it was decided that the city would also be split into sectors similar to the way the rest of the country was divided.  The occupation of Germany began in June of 1945.

Berlin Wall 1961

The Soviet Union was not particularly pleased with the western Allies holding a part of the eastern half of the country, and so they began to devise a plan to drive them out.  In 1948 the Soviet Union blocked West Berlin from any outside help in an effort to force them out of Berlin.  Instead, however, the western Allies made an effort to supply the western half of Berlin in what was known as the Berlin Airlift.  The Berlin Airlift lasted for over a year before the Soviets ended the blockade.  In the years following the blockade thousands of East Berliners fled to West Berlin.

Berlin Wall - After Being Reinforced

As a result of the large numbers of people (especially skilled laborers, such as doctors) fleeing East Berlin, the East German government closed its border for good.  The Berlin Wall was built over a two week span in August of 1961, after which people could only cross from East to West Berlin through one of three checkpoints.  Throughout time, the makeshift wall was reinforced and turned into a wall of reinforced concrete that was topped with an enormous pipe to make climbing over nearly impossible.  Along the Wall's east side ran a 'death zone', which was controlled by guards and watchdogs to prevent escape.  Between 170 and 200 people were killed attempting to get past the wall; however, over 5,000 East Germans were successful in their attempts to cross the border.

"The Fall of the Berlin Wall" - November 1989

Although the Wall originally stood to keep people from fleeing the East, it eventually became a symbol of the Cold War.  As the Cold War came to an end in November of 1989, it was announced that people would be able to freely cross the wall.  Berlin was united for the first time since 1945.

East Side Gallery

Most of the wall has since been destroyed, but there are parts that still remain.  The most famous strech of the remaining Wall is the East Side Gallery, which is located along Muhlenstrasse and is filled with paintings.  Other parts of the Wall that have been saved can be found in various buildings and museums around Berlin.

Sources:

"Berlin Wall." A View On Cities. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. .

"Berlin Wall — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts." History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2013. .

Dunford, Lisa. Central Europe. 9th ed. Footscray, Vic.: Lonely Planet, 2011. Print.