The Berlin Wall - How it worked | DW Documentary

Summary

This video details the Berlin Wall's role in dividing East and West Germany during the Cold War. It describes the complex and heavily fortified border system, including watchtowers, alarm fences, tank traps, and the notorious 'death strip' where East German border guards would shoot to kill to prevent escapes. The wall was a symbol of repression, separating families and restricting movement. Through the 1980s, Berliners witnessed constant surveillance and dangerous attempts to cross the wall. The script paints a chilling picture of the barriers designed to imprison people within a totalitarian regime and prevent their flight to freedom in the West.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Berlin Wall divided East and West Germany, symbolizing the separation between communism and democracy.
• 😀 The Wall's primary purpose was to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the freedom of West Germany.
• 😀 Berlin was divided into four sectors after World War II, with special status and complexities regarding the borders.
• 😀 In 1961, East Berlin was surrounded by a 155 km long fortified border, marking a strict divide between East and West.
• 😀 The Berlin Wall became a highly fortified and continually reinforced barrier with multiple layers of security.
• 😀 The 'death strip' was an area patrolled by soldiers and designed to prevent escape, where anyone attempting to flee could be shot.
• 😀 The East German regime constructed various barriers, including a signal fence, tripwires, and watchtowers, to deter escape attempts.
• 😀 The 'Stalin's lawn' was a dangerous carpet of steel spikes designed to injure escapees, preventing them from reaching the wall.
• 😀 The Berlin Wall was 3.6 meters tall, with strategically weak points to allow tanks to break through if needed during wartime.
• 😀 In addition to physical barriers, East German soldiers utilized alarms, guard dogs, and surveillance to monitor the border 24/7.
• 😀 Along the Inner German border, landmines, tripwires, and automatic firing devices made escape attempts extremely deadly.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the Berlin Wall?

The primary purpose of the Berlin Wall was to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Germany, which represented freedom and democracy. It served as a physical barrier between communist East Germany and democratic West Germany.

Why was Berlin's status unique during the Cold War?

Berlin's unique status stemmed from being located in East Germany but divided into four sectors controlled by the Allies. West Berlin remained a free city surrounded by East German territory, making it an isolated enclave in the heart of East Germany.

What were the consequences for East Germans attempting to escape?

East Germans attempting to escape faced life-threatening dangers. The border was heavily fortified, and escapees could be shot by border guards as a last resort. The Berlin Wall claimed 136 lives, and many others were severely injured while attempting to flee.

How did East Germany secure its border along the Berlin Wall?

East Germany used multiple layers of security to protect its border, including watchtowers, tripwires, alarm systems, a 'death strip' with searchlights, and automatic weapons. The area was also patrolled by thousands of soldiers and police officers.

What were 'tank traps' and how did they prevent escapes?

'Tank traps' were large steel obstacles designed to block vehicles and prevent escapes. These were part of a broader system of fortifications, including guard dogs, signal fences, and other defensive measures to deter escapees.

What was the 'death strip' and what role did it play in border security?

The 'death strip' was a dangerous, well-lit area along the Berlin Wall, where anyone attempting to escape could be shot on sight. It was named for the lethal consequences faced by those who ventured into it.

How were the concrete barriers of the Berlin Wall designed to allow military response in case of war?

Strategic openings were left in the Berlin Wall to allow for a rapid military response. These gaps were intended for tanks to break through in the event of a conflict, ensuring the regime could react quickly to any military threats.

What was the significance of the Church of Reconciliation in the context of the Berlin Wall?

The Church of Reconciliation was located in the area between East and West Berlin, and its congregation was largely in the West. The East German regime demolished the church in 1985, possibly to eliminate an obstruction in the border fortifications and maintain surveillance over the area.

What were the 'Stalin rosin' or 'asparagus boards' and what function did they serve?

The 'Stalin rosin' (also known as 'asparagus boards') were steel spikes placed along the border to injure anyone attempting to escape. They were part of the layered defenses designed to inflict serious harm on would-be escapees.

What role did the 'no-man's land' play in the fortification of the East-West border?

The 'no-man's land' was a heavily patrolled and dangerous strip of land between the Berlin Wall and the first layer of security. It was designed to be an impassable zone, with alarm fences, watchtowers, and military personnel, making any escape attempt nearly impossible.