The Berlin Wall was the wall that symbolized the separation of East from West Berlin between 1961 and 1989. However, which side of the Berlin Wall was free? So let us explore the history, the conditions and the experience of both.
The Divided Berlin
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) a.k.a East Germany built the Berlin Wall to keep its citizens from leaving to West Berlin. It was a 155 kilometer wall made of concrete and towers, as well as many security measures.
East Berlin: Life under Communism
The GDR controlled the eastern side of the Berlin Wall up to the Iron Curtain, and everything that stretched beyond was shaped and controlled by the Soviet Union. In East Berlin, personal freedoms were almost nonexistent; the ideas espoused were socialist and communist, and it was a state. Living conditions were challenging because economic growth was stagnant, consumer goods were few, and states maintained strict control.
Government Control and Surveillance
The political and social life in East Berlin was within the control of the government. Citizens were monitored, information was collected, and any people who voiced dissent were suppressed by the Ministry for State Security (commonly known as the Stasi). Citizens were very wary of speaking their mind politically and it was very censorial as well.
Limited Travel and Isolation
On the other hand, East Berliners were greatly restricted in who they could travel to or visit. Applying to leave the country and travel internationally was required and denied more often than not. The isolation from the outside world lead to a claustrophobia and the lack of opportunity to do anything else but go to work and come home.
West Berlin: Freedom and Prosperity
In contrast, West Berlin was under Western Allies (USA, UK, France) and was a democratic enclave in the territory of East Germany. It was a period of economic prosperity, political freedom and cultural diversity on the western side.
Democratic Values and Human Rights
In West Berlin people had democratic values such as freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembling. Challenged views were allowed, and the government provided an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, personal development.
Cultural Exchange and Opportunity
West Berlin was part of West Germany, and in that respect open to the accomplishments of Western culture. The influx of artists, musicians, and intellectuals made it a diverse population and it attracted. It was a creative and cultural exchange hub, an open place where people started to feel increasingly comfortable and got much more opportunities.
The Perception of Freedom
West Berlin was ‘free’ in comparison to the Eastern one, but at the same time the freedom enjoyed was relative to one’s circumstances. The border was crossed by some East Berliners to West Berlin where they enjoyed the freedoms of those cities, and others faced great challenges and risks.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, it was an historic turning point that the Berlin Wall fell. It was a symbol of the reunification of Germany and end of Cold War. It helped Berliners to enjoy freedom and opportunities in an unprecedented way, with the old barrier that prevents people from reaching it now gone.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Berlin Wall’s West side was generally open in contrast to the restrictions and limitations west of the Berlin Wall. Politically, West Berlin offered freedoms, economically Berlin offered prosperity and exchange in culture. But it is important to remember that the experiences of individuals were diverse and the fall of the wall united us both sides and gave the freedom and opportunities for everyone.
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