1.1d Why did the GDR find it necessary to build the Berlin wall? Flashcards
By how much did the GDR population fall in 12 years?
1.5 million
Give 3 reasons for people leaving the GDR for the FRG
1) Shortage of workers in the FRG
2) Better quality of life in the FRG
3) June Uprising
Give 2 reasons to stay in the GDR
1) Had the highest standards of living in the Eastern Bloc
2) Those who tried to escape were killed or arrested
Give 2 reasons that the GDR couldn’t get people to stay
1) Guarding the border was very costly
2) They simply didn’t have the ability to watch every citizen
What was Khrushchev’s Ultimatum?
He demanded the removal of ally soldiers from West Berlin to which the Americans were willing to negotiate
What happened during discussions over Khrushchev’s Ultimatum?
A U2 spy plane was shot down in USSR territory resulting in Khrushchev threatening war
What was the final result of Khrushchev’s ultimatum?
Kennedy gave a speech securing the status of the GDR
What happened just before the construction of the Berlin wall?
Ulbricht gave a speech saying that nobody intends to build a wall
What happened with the closing of the Berlin border?
It was closed without informing Ulbricht’s ministers
Give 3 immediate positive impacts of the Berlin wall
1) The economy grew
2) More goods were produced
3) Agricultural production grew
Give 3 immediate negative impacts of the Berlin wall for the people
1) Families were divided
2) All telephone lines were cut
3) Stopped people earning higher wages in the FRG and buying cheaper goods in the GDR
How was Ulbricht responsible for the Berlin wall?
He put Khrushchev under pressure to take action
How was Khrushchev responsible for the Berlin wall?
When Khrushchev’s ultimatum was rejected, he gave his approval to build the wall
How did Khrushchev view the Berlin wall?
As a tool for negotiation with the West and a tool for peaceful coexistence
