By Mr Crowe THE BERLIN WALL: The End of The Cold War S. Thomas Social Studies 6 th Grade

The Standard SS6H7 (c) – Explain how the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the end of the Cold War and German reunification SS6H7 (c) – Explain how the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the end of the Cold War and German reunification

“I Can” Statements I can tell why Germany was split into two countries I can tell what two government systems caused Germany to split I can tell what caused the collapse of the Soviet Union I can tell how German was able to become one country again

The “Essentials” 1. What events led to the collapse of the Soviet Union? 2. What events led to the reunification of Germany? 3. What is the relationship between the collapse of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, and the end of the Cold War?

Another Cold War crisis Background East – West rivalry Berlin divided – contrast the two halves. WEST: Prosperous (rich), helped by US, attracted people from the East. Seen by USSR as ‘infection’ in the heart of Communist East Germany. EAST: Much less prosperous and under Communist control

West vs. East: The “Wants” The West Prevent Soviet Union from gaining control of East Germany To see a united, democratic Germany The East Maintain control over East Germany Make the West recognize it as an independent state Stop the flood of refugees especially the skilled and professional ones who were much needed in East Germany

What’s Going On??? Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union was spending a lot of money on weapons, space race, and support of communist countries Soviet Union was spending a lot of money on weapons, space race, and support of communist countries Also Soviet Union was protecting its borders from the enemies Also Soviet Union was protecting its borders from the enemies Many communist countries were left with barely enough food and goods to meet the people’s needs Many communist countries were left with barely enough food and goods to meet the people’s needs What is the answer to this problem? What is the answer to this problem? The Answer The Answer Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985 He agreed to decrease military spending, but economies in Eastern Europe did not improve He agreed to decrease military spending, but economies in Eastern Europe did not improve People are angry, and the Soviets decided not to help Eastern European governments anymore People are angry, and the Soviets decided not to help Eastern European governments anymore Some communist countries began to leave Soviet rule Some communist countries began to leave Soviet rule

“Berlin”a Split!!!! Why was Berlin split? Why was Berlin split? The city was controlled by the Soviet Union and the Allies The city was controlled by the Soviet Union and the Allies Soviet Union – controlled the East Soviet Union – controlled the East Allies – controlled the West Allies – controlled the West

Still Separated... The east side was communist while the west side was a democracy The east side was communist while the west side was a democracy 1961 – East Germany built a wall to divide the east from the west 1961 – East Germany built a wall to divide the east from the west Berlin Wall – concrete wall with barbed wire fence at top Berlin Wall – concrete wall with barbed wire fence at top No free access to east from west No free access to east from west 86 people died trying to cross the wall 86 people died trying to cross the wall

We Are Family... Did East finally change their mind? YES!! 1989, East Germany relaxed borders and its citizens allowed to travel to West Germany and West Berlin The happy east Germans climbed the wall and tore it down 1990 – New government elected and Germany was reunited

What Now?!?!? 1991 – Group of Soviet leaders tried to take over government They failed, and the Soviet Union split into 15 other countries THE COLD WAR IS OFFICIALLY OVER!!!!!