The Berlin Wall
Historical structureAbout
The Berlin Wall was a significant Cold War-era barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to separate East Berlin from West Berlin. It was erected on August 13, 1961, and remained in place until November 9, 1989. The Wall was built to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West, as millions had done before its construction. Initially made of barbed wire and later replaced with concrete walls, the barrier was fortified with watchtowers, mines, and raked sand to deter escape attempts. The Berlin Wall symbolized the division between East and West Germany and was a potent symbol of the Cold War. It stretched 155 kilometers, encircling West Berlin and extending into the surrounding areas of East Germany. Despite its formidable structure, about 5,000 people managed to cross it successfully, while others were captured or killed attempting to do so. The Wall's fall in 1989 marked a pivotal moment in modern history, leading to German reunification and the end of the Cold War era.
