The Berlin Wall

Question 1

Why did people want to leave East Berlin?

Answer 1

• Political: hated the communists
• Economic: standard of living was declining

By 1960, 3 million had left East Berlin

Question 2

What were the causes for the building of the Berlin War?

Answer 2

• Growing tension: Kennedy was trying to get tough on the Soviets. He was funding fighting against communism in Vietnam and Laos.
• Refugees: East Germans were poor and under strict rule. It was the opposite in West Berlin. Flow was 1800 people a day. This was embarrassing for the Russians and also many of those leaving were skilled workers.
• Sabotage: East Germans claimed that the West used East Germany to spy and sabotage

Question 3

Describe the building of the Berlin Wall

Answer 3

• Khrushchev demanded that USA leave with their troops
• Kennedy refused
• East German soldiers erected a wall

Question 4

What were the outcomes of the Berlin Wall?

Answer 4

• Allies had access to East Berlin since 1945, so they kept sending soldiers and diplomats to see how Soviets would respond
• 27th October, Soviets pulled up to Checkpoint Charlie in a face off against American tanks
• After 18 hours they retreated 5 meters at a time.