key Issue 6 - The Berlin Wall

Question 1

When was the Berlin Wall built?

Answer 1

August 13 1961

Question 2

Why was the Berlin Wall built?

Answer 2

To seal East Berlin from the West

To prevent people from migrating to the West. Already 2.6 millions people left

Question 3

What were the features of the Berlin Wall?

Answer 3

It was first constructed of barbed wire, but over time it became a permanent concrete structure
It was 87 miles long

Question 4

Why were people leaving East Berlin?

Answer 4

• The quality of life was much better in the West
• In West Berlin shops were full of variety of goods and freedom was greater as was wealth
• The attraction of capitalism was significant compared to the harsh regime of East Germany under hard-line communist leader Ulbricht

Question 5

What was the impact of the movement of people on East Germany?

Answer 5

• The communists feared a “brain drain” as skilled workers, including engineers, physicians, teacher and lawyers were all leaving in high numbers
• Negative propaganda was created for the East
• Created a feeling of unpopularity for communism
• Positive propaganda was created for the West

Question 6

What were the immediate consequences of the building of the Berlin Wall?

Answer 6

The flow of people from East to West stopped

Berlin became a focus of the Cold War