The Berlin Wall

After World War 2, Berlin was separated into four separate zones controlled by the United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union and the West became strained, Germany was split into two separate countries. The west wanted to create the Federal Formation of Germany, and the Soviet Union wanted to create the German Democratic Republic. The Soviet Union blockaded access to west Berlin, while the west air lifted supplies to the people in the city for over a year. Eventually a concrete wall fifteen feet high with soldiers, guns and mines. Germans under communist rule were given benefits such as a guaranteed test, free healthcare and childcare, they also were not given free speech or religion and could not leave the country. Many people would have to have children to get housing, there was a monetary reward for having children and many mothers also worked. There were many factors that led to the destruction of the wall. Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in the Soviet Union. He tried to change the communist party and he allowed public criticism of communism. This led to the breakdown of the USSR. Many countries declared their independence. Political policies also led to the destruction of the wall.In 1989 the Politburo forced Eric Hoekner, leader of the GDR, to retire. The new prime minister, Hans Modrow, eased travel restrictions, which allowed all Germans to cross either side. The wall was slowly taken down as more people were allowed to cross. By July 1st, 1990 the wall came down completely and Germany was once again reunited.                                                          





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