Which Side of Berlin Was Free?

  • The Original Free Walking Tour in Berlin

     When: Every day at 10am & 12pm Where: The meeting point is in front of Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin, Germany. Next to the Entrance. Explore Berlin’s rich history and modern charm with our Free Walking Tour. This tour covers famous Berlin attractions, influential historical sights, stories of past wars, urban legends,… read more.


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Hi and welcome to our little beginners’ guide to which side of Berlin was free during the Cold War as far as politics goes. This article in itself is an integral part of history and it attempts to explain it thoroughly. So, let’s dive in!

1. Background

Berlin split was something that trace from the end of World Two War when Germany was occupied in four zone by Allied powers headed by United States, Soviet Union, Britain and France. Both Berlin and the Soviet zone in which it was located were similarly divided into four sectors.

1.1 Formation of East and West Berlin

It was around 1949 that tensions between the Allied powers came to pass with the two separate entities of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). France, United States, and the United Kingdom occupied sectors surrounding the sector in which they had their countries, and Russia, led by the Soviet sector, which became East Berlin, and West Berlin became the sectors of the countries which took Sicaiq duties in it.

2. The Berlin Wall

When the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, the city was physically divided and its eastern and western halves were separated by a clear boundary. In nearly three decades, the wall symbolised the separation of families, friends, and cultures that remained heavily marked by the Cold War.

2.1 East Berlin: The Soviet-Controlled Side

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) controlled East Berlin, which also became completely under the Soviet control. This was because it followed communist ideologies, in which there was a centrally planned economy and restricted personal freedoms.

2.2 West Berlin: The Allied-Controlled Side

It was a democratic enclave in East Germany, in West Berlin governed by the United States, United Kingdom and France. During communist control of the territory, however, it became a beacon of freedom and a showcase of Western ideals.

3. The Fall of the Berlin Wall

In November 1989, months of civil unrest brought their reward, as the Berlin Wall came down marking the end of the division of Berlin. Though this was a historic event, this was the door to so many political and social changes in Germany and even to the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990.

4. Legacy and Reunification

It was also a time of tremendously changed brought about with the fall of the Berlin Wall and subsequent reunification of Germany. It is considered a successful symbol of unity today, featuring iconic landmarks and a culturally rich scene.

4.1 Berlin as a Reunified City

Berlin has since grown and developed very substantially since reunification. Arts, technology and entrepreneurship have become a global hub. The city still has some historical sites to explore like: Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial to understand the history of the divided city.

4.2 Remembering the Past

However, Berlin is not a city that has forgotten its history despite the incredible progress. Memorials and museums such as Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery and DDR Museum remind of the division of Berlin and give an insight into the life of the Berlin people in East and West.

5. Conclusion

Finally, however, West Berlin was free, on the side of the United States, the United Kingdom and France. On the other hand, East Berlin was under Soviet watch and was part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was followed by Germany reunification and indeed today the Berlin that exists is a vibrant, dynamic one.

This article should help shed some light into the history of Berlin’s division for the good of the great city, the end of the separation into the two parts. We know that in order to value the present and create a changed future we need to understand the past.


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