Berlin Wall
Definition
The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was built by East Germany (with backing from Soviet Union) to prevent its citizens from fleeing to West Germany.
Analogy
Think of the Berlin Wall as a giant 'No Trespassing' sign put up by East Germany. It wasn't just about keeping people out - it was also about trapping its own citizens inside.
Related terms
Iron Curtain: A term popularized by Winston Churchill describing the division between free Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe during Cold War.
Checkpoint Charlie: The most famous crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during Cold War.
Fall of Berlin Wall: Event in 1989 where East German government announced that all GDR citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin, leading to mass crossings and eventual demolition of wall.
"Berlin Wall" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (20+)
What was the purpose of the Berlin Wall?
What event led to the construction of the Berlin Wall to prevent people from escaping East Berlin?
The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 to prevent people from escaping which part of the city?
What was a direct outcome of the fall of the Berlin Wall?
What was a major result of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989?
Which U.S President delivered a famous speech often referred to as “Ich bin ein Berliner” emphasizing US support for West Germany shortly after construction began on the Berlin Wall?
If The Berlin Wall hadn’t fallen in 1989 what could have possibly been an outcome?
Who was primarily responsible for the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961?
Which of the following best explains why the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961?
What might have happened if the Berlin Wall hadn't fallen in 1989?
What led to the construction of Berlin Wall during Cold war?
What was one immediate effect of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989?
How might history have unfolded differently if the Berlin Wall was never erected?
When did the Berlin Wall fall signifying the end to Cold War tension?
In what year did the fall of Berlin Wall happen?
When did the Berlin Wall, a significant symbol of Cold War division between East and West, fall?
When did the Berlin Wall begin construction?
What did the construction of Berlin Wall signify during the cold war?
When was Berlin Wall built marking a critical point during cold war ?
What act resulted in the fall of Berlin Wall, symbolically marking the end of Cold War?
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