The East Germany Barrier: The Birth of the Berlin Wall, August 13, 1961

Introduction

On August 13, 1961, a historical event of significant international concern started – the building of the Berlin Wall. This event distinguished the Cold War era, representing the tangible division between Western capitalism and Eastern Communism. The barrier, erected by East Germany, bisected Berlin and stood as a symbol for the growing tensions and deep divisions of the time.

The Beginning of the Berlin Wall

In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into four zones, each occupied by one of the four major powers: the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. The division of Germany was not initially intended to be permanent, but disagreements among the allies rapidly led to the formation of two separate nations.

By the summer of 1961, the situation had escalated. Over 3.5 million East Germans had defected to the West, causing economic distress and loss of skilled labor in East Germany. In response, leaders of the German Democratic Republic demanded a drastic solution. Overnight on August 13, they ordered the sealing off of all borders between East and West Berlin. Soldiers started by tearing up city streets, blocking off transportation and installing barriers of barbed wire, which later was replaced by a concrete wall standing 12 feet high and stretching nearly 140 kilometers.

The Impact of the Wall

The Berlin Wall became a physical reminder of the ideological division of Europe and the wider world. It separated families, friends, and loved ones, turning the city into a symbol of division. Over the years, an estimated 5,000 individuals risked their lives attempting to cross the wall, with official reports documenting 140 deaths.

The Wall did not just divide Berlin physically, but it split the world ideologically into the West, representing liberal democracy and capitalism, and the East, symbolizing Communism and the Soviet sphere.

Fun Facts for Kids

1. The Berlin Wall was about 140 kilometers long – roughly equal to the length of 1050 soccer fields placed side by side!
2. The wall was not built by trained construction workers but mainly by members of the military and the police.
3. Graffiti was only allowed on the west side of the wall. The East side was kept pristine and white.

Educational Activities for Kids

1. Create a diorama of the Berlin Wall showing the difference between the East and West sides.
2. Write a story or a diary entry imagining that you’re a child living in Berlin when the wall was building.
3. Role-play an interview with historical figures who played a crucial role in this event.

Conclusion

Therefore, August 13, 1961, serves as a critical date in global history, marking the start of the formal and physical separation of East and West Berlin through the construction of the Berlin Wall. It’s a reminder of the crippling ideologies that separated global communities during the era of the Cold War. Today, as we stand united in our shared humanity, it’s essential to remember such historical boundaries to ensure they are never resurrected.

References

1. Taylor, F. (2007). The Berlin Wall: 13 August 1961 – 9 November 1989. Bloomsbury Publishing.
2. Risch, W.J. (2015). The Berlin Wall and the unification of Germany. ABDO Publishing.