The Berlin Crisis (building of the Berlin wall) 1961

Question 1

Why was there a crisis in Berlin in 1961

Answer 1

1. A new east German labour law, which stopped workers from going on strike, led to growing unrest in the factories
2. Agricultural reforms led to higher prices and food shortages
3. In the 6 months leading up to June 1961 103,000 East Germans had fled through Berlin
4. The Soviets accused the West of using West Berlin to spy on them
5. President Kennedy asked congress for an additional $3 billion to increase Americans armed forces
6. In June 1961 Khrushchev raised tensions by threatening to end the existing four power agreement guaranteeing America, Britain and France the rights to access West Berlin
7. There was a big contrast to life in East and West Berlin. West Berlin and West Germany’s economy was doing better than the East. As well food and housing were sacred, paid less well and had restrictions on freedom in East Berlin and East Germany than in the West

Question 2

What were the results of the Berlin Crisis in 1961

Answer 2

1. A wall is built splitting East And West Berlin
2. The Soviets gained full control over East Berlin and East Germany
3. There was very little the West could do, they had to accept the wall
4. Neither side went to war
5. Thousands found ways to escape East Berlin and East Germany, tunnelling under the wall, hiding in the boot of cars and hot air ballooning over the wall
6. President Kennedy gave ‘I am a Berliner’ speech to reassure Berliners the USA would not abandon them