Berlin Wall
Definition
The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating East Germany (German Democratic Republic) from West Germany. It was built by the German Democratic Republic to prevent its citizens from fleeing to the democratic West.
Analogy
Imagine your house being split in half by a giant wall, with one side filled with freedom and opportunities, and the other side restricted and limited. That's what it felt like for the people living in Berlin during the time of the Berlin Wall.
Related terms
East Side Gallery: This is a section of the original Berlin Wall that has been turned into an open-air gallery, featuring colorful murals painted by artists from around the world.
Deutsche Demokratische Republik (German Democratic Republic): Also known as East Germany, this term refers to the communist state that existed on the eastern side of Germany during the time of division.
Checkpoint Charlie: This was one of several border crossings between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It became a symbol of tension between Soviet-controlled East Germany and Western Allies-controlled West Germany.
"Berlin Wall" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.