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The Berlin Wall 1961 - 1989 A Cold War Case Study

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The Berlin Wall 1961 - 1989 A Cold War Case Study

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The idea of 'Division' is an important one in the context of the Cold War era. By the 1950s, not only was a continent divided (Europe), and a country divided (Germany), but even cities were divided.

CITIES
Every city has a unique 'life' of its own, emerging out of its own history.

This 'life' is expressed in its people and their cultures, as well as in the physical and material heritage of the city (buildings, architecture, places and spaces)

The city of Berlin experienced a traumatic division in the years 1961 to 1989 which was imposed upon her people.

In this lesson package, you will explore the notion of a 'divided city' and evaluate the impact the Wall had on the citizens of Berlin.

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The historic Brandenburg Gate was located inside East Berlin

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During the Cold War, West Berliners could only look wistfully on the Gate from the other side. Today, you can see it as it as via Google Earth.

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A popular common space becomes divided by a Wall.

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One of the heart-rending effects of the Cold War was the painful, almost senseless division the Berlin Wall brought to a once vibrant city and her people. One such place was the Potsdamer Platz.

However, Potsdamer Platz has spectacularly changed since the end of the Cold War. Stand there now on Google Earth and describe its physical transformation today from five decades ago.

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Travel through this checkpoint between East and West Berlin was under extremely strict conditions.

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You have reached one of the most recognizable places in the Cold War via Google Earth!

It was here that the tanks of the USA and the USSR once faced off with each other in a dramatic show of force.

Stroll around at 'street level' around Checkpoint Charlie. What sort of tourists would be interested in visiting Checkpoint Charlie today?

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Discover life in East Berlin during the Soviet era

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This enthralling museum documents life 'as it was lived' behind the Iron Curtain, as an East German within the communist bloc. Fly into East Berlin here and stopover at the museum.

On Google Earth, also locate Checkpoint Charlie, which marks the border with the West. Stride along at 'street level' through the heart of communist East Berlin from the DDR Museum to Checkpoint Charlie!

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The Berlin Wall - symbolic and physical division of the city.

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Get a first-hand perspective of the Berlin Wall with Google Earth. Locate the actual physical Wall and walk along its length at 'street view' level. Can you estimate the height of the Berlin Wall?

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You have touched down in the German city of Berlin.

Enter Google Earth for a virtual tour of the airport and its surroundings.

Explore the 'street view.' Select one 'blue-dot' point and describe what you see around you.

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WHERE IS THE BERLIN WALL?

Historically
How did it affect the geographic map of the city? What did it divide? What were its physical landmarks?

Materially
Where are its remnants and fragments today? Is it for memory or tourism?

Emotionally
How is it remembered today by different people?

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You have now visited several major Berlin landmarks, each of which was itself located as part of the Berlin Wall complex.

Personal Reflections
Think about the historical significance of the Berlin Wall as a physical, authentic Cold War symbol and the present-day memorialization of it.

You may choose to contact (email, video call etc) one or more of the individuals below to help you formulate your thoughts on the question -

"WHERE IS THE BERLIN WALL TODAY?"

1) Dr Stefan Wolle. (Head of Research, DDR Museum). He is a German historian specializing in East German history. You may contact him here.

2) Mr Victor Grossman, an American who defected to East Germany in 1952. Please refer to Mr Samuel Wee if you would like to email him.

3) Mr Stephan Weisgerber, born in West Germany just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Mr Wee will arrange a video-call with him.

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An arbitrary division? or a planned, methodical slicing in half?

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Learn how the Berlin Wall impacted the Potsdamer Platz, an historical, popular and open common space in the city.

You may watch the video documentary - "How to split a city in half"

ESCAPING FROM EAST BERLIN
Division and separation prompted many frustrated Berliners to escape from one side of the Wall to the other.

Read about some daring attempts to flee from East Berlin here.

Watch a re-enactment and listen to escapees being interviewed here.

Having now gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical significance of the Berlin Wall, you will now proceed to your final, major task.

You will write a short story (200 - 250 words) and in the process, create your own 'micro-history' about the Berlin Wall.

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Examine the following sources of information as well as historical artefacts.

Think about how a simple, nondescript border-control immigration booth could become such as powerful symbol of the Cold War conflict.

Virtual tour of the newer Checkpoint Charlie booth.

Article - "7 Things You Should Know About Checkpoint Charlie."

Online Collection - thousands of images, items and documents depicting daily life in West Berlin/Germany.

Authentic Document - "US Booklet for Checkpoint Charlie" (1960s) / hard copy available.

Authentic Document - "Cross Section of the Wall" Map

After examining the sources above, especially the two authentic documents, explain why you think Checkpoint Charlie became an important Cold War symbol.

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Drop into the DDR Museum here and explore this venue, which collects together different memories of the Soviet era.

Also watch this insightful video - "Life in East Germany."

With reference to the museum exhibitions, artefacts and programmes, what do you think are the objectives of the DDR Museum today?

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Here are several useful websites to help you get familiar with the history and significance of the Berlin Wall

What was the Berlin Wall?

The history of the Berlin Wall.

A "Simple History" video on the Berlin Wall.

How did the Wall 'begin'? Relive the actual construction of the Berlin Wall  by viewing this video and by participating in a virtual-tour of Berlin in August 1961.

What do you think was the primary, essential purpose of the Berlin Wall? (consider its layout and physical features)

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You have arrived in Berlin! This is an exciting modern German city which has a fascinating but complex past.

Enter the Visit Berlin website and discover the multiple ways the city advertises itself to the world today!

Let's discuss!

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Creating a 'Micro-History' of the Berlin Wall

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Creating a 'Micro-History' of the Berlin Wall

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Click on this link for the Google Doc instruction sheet. You may type in your story in the same document.

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Revisit the sensational and dramatic leap of East German soldier Conrad Schumann over the barbed wire border obstacles into West Berlin!

Do you think it was worth the leap into 'freedom'?

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Watch the introductory video and visit the vast online 'Object Database' collection in the DDR Museum.

Select one historical artefact and explain its role/significance in East German life during the Cold War. (Do also make reference to the Soviet-era posters around you)

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Examine the material artefact provided (a fragment of the Berlin Wall).

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Website - The Allied Museum at Tempelhof Airport

Video - Learn basic German words in three minutes!

Website - what's happening in Germany today?

Video - listen to the stirring German anthem (Deutschlandlied)

here. This is the English-language version.

And don't miss out on the communist-era East German anthem! - Auferstanden Aus Ruinen

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Material
What does the material of the Wall tell you about its function? Why do you think there is coloured ink on the fragment?

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What would be a suitable phrase in German that the following people might use today.

a) A 65-year old Berlin resident, speaking to a new neighbour.
b) A German airline steward, at the start of a flight.
c) A German pilot, announcing the arrival in Berlin.

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Language
This notice was located at Checkpoint Charlie (Station 4) What were the four languages printed here? What can you learn about the significance of Checkpoint Charlie?

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Imagine you are a West German tourist guide in August 1961. Compose a short paragraph (60 - 80 words) introducing the tour to a group of Singaporeans to West Berlin.

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Just how did the Berlin Wall work? What were the key features of this monumental structure? Learn about it here.

Visit the virtual-reality museum of the Berlin Wall.

What is the Berlin Wall doing right here in Singapore?