The Berlin Wall Flashcards
What regions of Berlin were split by the wall?
Communist East Berlin and Capitalist West Berlin.
Why was Berlin split initially?
After the disbandment of the Nazi Party at the end of WWII, the four Allied powers, Russia, Britain, France and America, split Germany into four equally controlled segments to prevent anarchy and maintain order.
How were living conditions in East Berlin?
“A typical Communist city” - deflated economy, decrepit living conditions and little opportunity.
What day was the Berlin Wall built?
13th August, 1961. Almost the entire wall was constructed overnight.
What did JFK declare he was in a speech about the Berlin Wall?
“Ich bin ein Berliner” which roughly translates to, “I am a jam donut.”
What was the war that prompted the separation of West and East Berlin?
The Cold War.
Who were the leaders of America and the Soviet Union at the time the Wall as built?
America; John F. Kennedy.
Soviet Union; Nikita Khrushchev.
Who were the leaders of America and the Soviet Union at the time the Wall was knocked down?
America; Ronald Reagan.
Soviet Union; Mikhail Gorbachev.
What did Reagan demand in his famous speech about the Berlin Wall?
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
What was the space between the two walls known as?
The Death Strip.
Why was the wall built?
The East Berlin government wanted to stop East Berliners from migrating to West Berlin.
