For many years the people of Berlin were separated by a Wall, which divided Germany. Built in 1961 the wall literally divided the eastern part of Berlin of GDR, and the western part under influence of FRG.
The Purpose of the Berlin Wall
The function f the Berlin Wall was to avoid the citizens of the East Germany escape to the West Germany that was richer and had a democratic government, and so on. It was built to stop the high tidal flow of the brain drain which was affecting the economy and stability of the GDR.
Physical Features of the Berlin Wall
The wall was not only formed of a single structure but it was a well connected network of barriers. Its most noticeable characteristic was a concrete wall with a height of 3.6 m (12 ft) and a length of 155 km (96 mi). A barbed wire, watchtowers, and a “death strip” that is sand or gravel within which any movement was easily seen due to the guards preventing any attempted escape.
Access Points and Restrictions
Since it was a barrier with thick and sturdy walls, it was difficult and almost impossible t walk around it as well as the movement around the wall was also heavily curtailed during its construction. Nevertheless, it was possible to select several points at which crossing prohibited the sides and one might transition from one side to another.
1. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was one of the best known border crossings between east and west Berlin. It was mainly an embassy and diplomatic center situated in Friedrichstraße. Currently, it operates as a tourist attraction site and a museum that passes information about the wall and the ability it has.
2. Glienicke Bridge
Glienicke Bridge or the Bridge of Spies was another one of locations where it was possible to cross from East to West Berlin. It was a place of one of the most publicized trades of captured spies during cold war.
3. Train Stations
S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations which were by the border of east and west were some of the stations that permitted border crossing between the two areas. For instance, Friedrichstraße and Bornholmer Straße were stations which offered transit accessibility on the side of the wall.
Life Around the Berlin Walls Today
This video was made after the fall of the wall in Germany in 1989 and reunification followed by the destruction of the wall and now one can walk around with relative ease at the location of the wall. Some of the sections of this barrier are retained and serve as Museum known as the Berlin Wall Memorial that has related wall sections and features.
There is a maintained trail that covers a distance of 160 kilometers (99 miles) or so throughout the city known as the Berlin Wall Trail which provide a guide on the various historical aspects. During the walk, attention is paid to the main attractions – the East Side Gallery that is decorated with murals painted on the remaining parts of the wall.
Conclusion
Since the time the Berlin Wall was constructed, people could barely stroll through it but nowadays one can actually cross the former border and witness the traces of the wall. As a symbol of division of Germany and the later reunion this wall is an eloquent testimony of the ability and right of man for freedom.
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