10 Misconceptions About the Fall of the Berlin Wall

10 Misconceptions About the Fall of the Berlin Wall

 

The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic.  Controlled by the Soviets, the party built the wall to cut off East Germany and East Berlin from the west, and ultimately, the free world. This wall became a symbol of the Iron Curtain, which separated the Communist Bloc from the democratic half of Europe. It also symbolized the social, political and economic consequences of the Cold War. It wasn’t until almost thirty years later that East Germany gave its citizens permission to visit the West. That same

night, the East Berliners jumped and climbed the wall, and joined the West Berliners in celebration. While the main demolition of the wall didn’t start until several months later, this moment was the start of a new Germany after almost 45 years of two separate entities.

 

Before the wall was placed, the Berliners on both sides of Berlin could move freely from East to West. They did so to shop, work, and go to the movies, essentially living a normal life. There were subways lines and trains that took people from one area of Berlin to the others, and you could easily walk from East to West and West to East. Once the wall was built, to keep the “fascists” from the west from coming to the east, it was almost impossible to travel across the border. For those who had permission, there were three checkpoints: Checkpoint Alpha, Checkpoint Bravo and Checkpoint Charlie. This expanded to 12 checkpoints over the years. Only diplomats and other officials could cross, as well as travelers, though they require special permission, which was rarely given. Here are the top 10 misconceptions about the fall of the Berlin Wall: