Why did Germany build the Berlin Wall?

Why did Germany build the Berlin Wall?

The official purpose of this Berlin Wall was to keep so-called Western “fascists” from entering East Germany and undermining the socialist state, but it primarily served the objective of stemming mass defections from East to West.

How did the Berlin Wall Work?

The Berlin Wall began as a border of barbed wire fencing and evolved into a fortified concrete barrier with armed East German border guards. East Germany militarized the entire border with the West, laying more than one million land mines and deploying around 3,000 attack dogs.

Why was Berlin divided?

After World War II, defeated Germany was divided into Soviet, American, British and French zones of occupation. After a massive Allied airlift in June 1948 foiled a Soviet attempt to blockade West Berlin, the eastern section was drawn even more tightly into the Soviet fold.

Why was the Berlin Wall built and taken down?

To halt the exodus to the West, Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev recommended to East Germany that it close off access between East and West Berlin. On the night of August 12-13, 1961, East German soldiers laid down more than 30 miles of barbed wire barrier through the heart of Berlin.

What are 10 facts about the Berlin Wall?

Top 10 Facts about the Berlin Wall

• The wall was built after World War II.
• The wall initially consisted of barbed wires and concrete blocks.
• Hundreds died while crossing the wall.
• There was no government order to bring down the wall.
• The Berlin Wall was compared to the stringent U.S immigration policy.

Is Checkpoint Charlie still there?

Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of East and West. After the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc and the reunification of Germany, the building at Checkpoint Charlie became a tourist attraction. It is now located in the Allied Museum in the Dahlem neighborhood of Berlin.