THE BERLIN WALL
TENSIONS The Potsdam Agreement divided Germany into four zones as well as Berlin.
TENSIONS Having launched the world's first ever satellite(1957), Khrushchev felt confident about Soviet power and chose to test such power in Berlin.
Aims of the Soviet Union after WWII Create a buffer zone to the west of Russia, protecting them from any attack in the future. Spread Communism. Use the resources of others to help rebuild their war damaged country. The Soviet-controlled countries in the East were tied by two binding agreements. An economic agreement was put in place in 1949 with the creation of COMECON, the Council for Mutual Economic assistance. Warsaw Pact was set up in 1955 and was a mutual defense treaty between the eight communist states of Eastern Europe, with each country agreeing to support the others if attacked.
TENSIONS When Kennedy comes into power(1961) he is in no mood for negotiating and instead orders a massive increase in the armed services.
TENSIONS East Berlin was losing far too many citizens each year. They were especially concerned with the number of educated refugees fleeing the country.
Focus on refugees from East Germany or East Berlin to West 1949-129,245 1951- 165,648 1953- 331,390 1955- 252,870 1957- 261,622 1959- 143,917 1961- 207,026 1962- 21,356 1963- 42,632 1964- 41,876
What they wanted The West Prevent USSR from gaining control of East Germany To see a united, democratic Germany The East Maintain control over E Germany Make the West recognise it as an independent state Stop the flood of refugees especially the skilled and professional ones – much needed in E Germany
Spies were sent from West Berlin to the East. TENSIONS Spies were sent from West Berlin to the East.
13th August 1961: the Berlin Wall is built
What was the Berlin Wall?
Built in 1961
Separated West Berlin from East Germany Built in 1961 Separated West Berlin from East Germany
Separated West Berlin from East Germany Built in 1961 Separated West Berlin from East Germany A wall to prevent East Germans fleeing to West Berlin.
Separated West Berlin from East Germany Built in 1961 Separated West Berlin from East Germany A wall to prevent East Germans fleeing to West Berlin. A famous symbol of the Cold War
Separated West Berlin from East Germany Built in 1961 Separated West Berlin from East Germany A wall to prevent East Germans fleeing to West Berlin. A famous symbol of the Cold War Separated Communism from Capitalism
How did the Berlin Wall affect the people of Germany?
If you tried to cross you would be shot
If you tried to cross you would be shot The wall cut off roads and buildings
If you tried to cross you would be shot The wall cut off roads and buildings People lost their jobs
If you tried to cross you would be shot The wall cut off roads and buildings People lost their jobs Families were divided
If you tried to cross you would be shot The wall cut off roads and buildings People lost their jobs Families were divided Stopped the flow of refugees as West Berliners were allowed in but East Berliners were not allowed out
Task 1: Read through pages 123 and 124 and add to your notes Task 1: Read through pages 123 and 124 and add to your notes. Complete the questions in the blue box. Task 2: ‘The main reason the Berlin Wall was built was to keep western influence out of East Germany.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10] (2017 M)