Bombs, Walls and Power. The fall and rise of Berlin

Berlin is one of the places in Europe that is full of history. Throughout time, Berlin has faced many wars, battles and conflicts. However, there was one war that really affected Berlin, World War II. While many people think of all the battles that occurred, not many people think about what happened in Berlin during WWII. Berlin, like the rest of Europe was under attack as well. There were constant bombing threats, men were at war and women were left to clean up. People also spent many hours seeking refuge in bomb shelters. The biggest of these shelters could protect around 65,000 people. They also converted subway stations into bomb shelters. They also enacted evacuations for non-essential people and children during this time. The bombings took place over several years and were mostly ineffective at destroying important targets. However, the bombings served to harm both Berlin’s civilian morale and economy. Theoretically, by destroying both their morale and the economy, Germany would surrender. However, Berliners proved themselves to be quite resilient.

            With the eventual complete military defeat of Germany’s army and the surrender of Berlin, the allied forces took over the city. The Soviet Union controlled the Eastern sector of the country while the French, British and American controlled the Western sectors. During this occupation the allies changed the currency to help regrow the German economy. The Soviets however did not agree with this and enacted a blockade which would stop food, fuel and other essential goods from entering Berlin. In response to this, the Allied forces used a constant airlift that brought essential goods to the blocked area. During this time, there were planes landing or taking off every 90 seconds. This went on for over a year and ended in 1949.

This shows the common path that over 200,000 flights would take to deliver supplies.

            There were several distinct differences between East Germany and West Germany. One was political ties. The West was considered a free democratic state while the East imposed a strict Communist rule. While Berlin was in East Germany, half of the city was a democratic zone whose freedom attracted refugees from East Berlin. This became a problem to East Germany because people were rapidly leaving the communist state for freedom. The Soviets saw one option to keep the population from leaving; build a wall. This wall separated West Berlin and East Berlin, thus separated families, friends and a nation for decades. People would gather around the wall with binoculars and telescopes trying to get a glimpse of their loved ones. The wall went up overnight when people had no warning. People were separated for a total of 28 years. One night in 1989, the borders were thrown open. Berliners from both East and West Berlin were celebrating, chanting, drinking and taking pieces of the wall. This came after the government of East Germany finally changed its travel regulations. On November 9^th, 1989 Berlin was physically reunified. A year later, in October 1990, the official reunification of Germany was stated. 

This is President Regan's famous quote that recommended the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

This image, taken from the ISS, shows the invisible wall that seperates Germany. The Telegraph states that there is more commercial activity in West Berlin than in East Berlin. A result of the Berlin wall.

            But what do these events symbolize for Berlin? The morale of Berliners during the war helped set the tone for the next couple of decades of political turmoil. It shows that Germany would not go down easily. While the wars and occupancy, Germany was ready to start again. When the wall was built, People were separated. While some people went to extremes to get back together with their loved ones, others were resilient kept hope that one day the wall would fall. Berlin was more than just a city during these times. Berlin was an idea that life can be rebuilt and improved. These events made Berlin what it is today.

Berlin's past will always show if you look hard enough. This image shows the Brandenburg Gate with the wall and in present day.