1961 Cold War, Berlin Wall Built

In 1961, the Soviet Union decided to build a physical barrier (wall) between East and West Berlin because of increasing tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western powers. The main purpose of the Wall was to prevent East Germans from escaping, thus stopping migration of workers and citizens. With the closing of the East-West boundary in Berlin, East Germans could no longer travel or emigrate to West Germany. Many families in Germany were split because of the isolation. Between 1961 to 1989, the Wall prevented almost all emigration. Around 5,000 people attempted to escape over the Wall, with an estimated death about 136 to more than 200 around Berlin. The Berlin Wall was officially referred to as the “Anti-Fascist Protective Wall” by East German authorities which means West Germany was considered as “fascists”. (“The Building of the Berlin Wall” Oer service, Accessed 16 June 2020.)