How the Berlin Wall Worked

Summary

This video explores the history and impact of the Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Berlin for nearly 30 years. It details the early days of the wall, its construction, and the tragic escape attempts that marked its existence. The narrative highlights personal stories, such as Peter Fechter's tragic death, and examines the wall’s evolving design, including the addition of security measures. It also touches on daring escape plans, like the homemade hot air balloon attempt, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought freedom across the wall.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Berlin Wall divided the city for almost 30 years, creating dead ends, inaccessible jobs, and severing daily connections between neighbors.
• 😀 The division of Berlin followed the end of WWII, with the city split into East (Soviet-controlled) and West (capitalist-controlled), each with different political and economic systems.
• 😀 Initially, the Berlin Wall began as a simple barrier, consisting of fences and barbed wire, with a shortage of materials limiting its initial construction.
• 😀 The East German authorities forced families out of homes that became part of the border, sometimes leaving windows incomplete, which led to risky escape attempts.
• 😀 One escape attempt in 1962 saw Peter Fer and Helmut try to flee from East to West Berlin, with tragic consequences as Peter was shot while attempting to scale the wall.
• 😀 Over time, the Berlin Wall evolved, with improved security features making it more difficult to cross, including watchtowers, tank traps, and a 'death strip'.
• 😀 The wall was designed to discourage escape, with features like smooth concrete, steel needle mats, and alarmed signal fences, alongside the constant presence of guards.
• 😀 Graffiti became a significant aspect of the Berlin Wall, with Western artists mocking the East German government and expressing free artistic ideas that were suppressed in the East.
• 😀 The Berlin Wall was part of a broader division of Germany, with many daring escape attempts from East to West, such as the story of Gunter and Peter, who tried to escape in a homemade hot air balloon.
• 😀 The Berlin Wall’s security and design became a symbol of the physical and ideological divide between East and West, impacting the lives of countless families and individuals for decades.

Q & A

What were the primary differences between East and West Berlin before the Berlin Wall was constructed?

Before the Berlin Wall, East Berlin was part of socialist East Germany and West Berlin was part of capitalist West Germany. The two areas had distinct currencies, ideologies, and lifestyles. For instance, people in East Berlin often crossed to the West for higher wages and better opportunities, while West Berliners visited the East for cheaper services.

What led to the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961?

The Berlin Wall was built by the East German government to prevent citizens from fleeing to West Berlin. After World War II, the city of Berlin was divided between East and West, and many East Berliners escaped to the West for better opportunities, which the East German government sought to stop.

How did the early version of the Berlin Wall differ from its final form?

Initially, the Berlin Wall was just a barrier made of fences and barbed wire, with some unguarded sections. Over time, it evolved into a much more fortified structure, with concrete walls, signal fences, guard towers, and other security measures to prevent escapes.

What were some of the more creative escape attempts made by individuals during the Berlin Wall's existence?

One notable escape attempt involved two friends, Gunter and Peter, who built a homemade hot air balloon to fly from East to West Germany. Although the balloon had a malfunction, this daring attempt symbolizes the extreme measures some took to escape the East.

What role did the architectural design of the Berlin Wall play in its functionality?

The design of the Berlin Wall included several features to prevent escape. The outer side was smooth and difficult to climb, while behind it were steel mats, signal fences, and a death strip monitored by guards. These design elements made escaping nearly impossible.

What was the 'Death Strip' and how did it contribute to the wall's security?

The 'Death Strip' was an area between the Berlin Wall and the inner security barriers. It was a wide stretch of land visible to guards and dogs, making hiding or escaping incredibly difficult. Anyone attempting to cross this area faced high risks of being shot by border guards.

How did the Berlin Wall affect the lives of the people living in Berlin?

The Berlin Wall had a profound effect on people's lives, separating families and friends, and drastically changing their daily routines. Many East Berliners who worked in the West lost their jobs, and those living in the East found it almost impossible to travel or communicate with loved ones across the border.

How did the West respond to the increasing fortifications of the Berlin Wall?

The West often responded to the growing security measures of the Berlin Wall with protests, media coverage, and support for those trying to escape. The wall became a symbol of the oppression faced by East Germans under the East German regime, and Westerners mocked the wall through graffiti and art.

What happened to Peter Fer during his escape attempt in 1962?

Peter Fer and his friend Helmut attempted to escape the East by jumping through an open window into the border area. While Helmut successfully crossed, Peter was shot and wounded by border guards. He eventually died while a crowd of onlookers watched helplessly.

What impact did graffiti have on the Berlin Wall?

Graffiti became a powerful form of protest on the Berlin Wall. Westerners, who had the freedom to express themselves artistically, covered the wall with artwork that mocked the East German government, highlighting the stark contrast between life in the West and the repressive regime in the East.