Berlin Wall: the story on HearLore

The Brain Drain Crisis Of 1961

East Germans began fleeing to the West in significant numbers shortly after World War II ended. Residents of the Soviet zone left for better lives in the western zones due to hunger and poverty. By 1950, one hundred eighty-seven thousand citizens moved westward across the zonal border. That number rose to one hundred sixty-five thousand in 1951 and reached one hundred eighty-two thousand in 1952. A sharp increase occurred in 1953 when three hundred thirty-one people fled east to west. Fear of further Sovietization drove many to leave during late 1952 and early 1953 alone. Two hundred twenty-six thousand had escaped in just the first six months of that year. The majority of these emigrants were young and well-educated professionals like engineers and doctors. Yuri Andropov wrote an urgent letter on the 28th of August 1958 about this critical phase of intelligentsia flight. He reported a fifty percent increase in refugees who were members of the educated class. By 1960, East Germany possessed only sixty-one percent of its working-age population compared to seventy point five percent before the war. The direct cost of manpower losses was estimated at seven billion to nine billion dollars. Party leader Walter Ulbricht later claimed West Germany owed him seventeen billion marks including reparations. Lost educational investment potentially cost over twenty-two point five billion marks. This exodus deprived the state of workers needed for post-war reconstruction efforts. Berlin became the main route by which Eastern Bloc citizens could still escape despite border closures elsewhere. An open border between socialist and capitalist worlds prompted comparisons that did not favor Democratic Berlin. On the 11th of December 1957, East Germany introduced new passport laws reducing overall refugee numbers. These laws unintentionally increased the percentage leaving through West Berlin from sixty percent to over ninety percent by end of 1958. Those caught trying to leave faced heavy penalties but no physical barrier existed yet.

Construction And Structural Evolution

First Secretary Walter Ulbricht stated publicly on the 15th of June 1961 that no one intended to erect a wall. A telephone call transcript between Nikita Khrushchev and Ulbricht on August 1 suggests the initiative came from Khrushchev. Other sources indicate Khrushchev initially feared negative Western reactions to such a project. Ulbricht pushed for a border closure arguing East Germany's existence was at stake. Leaders attended a garden party at a government guesthouse north of East Berlin on Saturday, August 12. Ulbricht signed the order to close the border and build a wall there. Police and army units began closing the border at midnight. By Sunday morning, August 13, the border with West Berlin was officially closed. East German troops tore up streets running alongside the border to make them impassable to vehicles. They installed barbed wire entanglements and fences along the perimeter surrounding three western sectors. The date became commonly referred to as Barbed Wire Sunday in Germany. Initial concrete elements and large blocks were put in place starting August 17. National People's Army soldiers stood before the structure with orders to shoot anyone attempting defection. Chain fences, walls, minefields, and other obstacles were installed along East Germany's western border. A wide no man's land cleared as the death strip provided clear fields of fire for guards. In June 1962, a second parallel fence known as an inner wall appeared further into East German territory. Houses between the walls were razed and inhabitants relocated to establish the death strip fully. Raked sand or gravel covered this area making footprints easy to notice for detection purposes. Through four versions evolved from 1961 until 1989 including wire fences and improved concrete walls. The fourth generation Wall begun in 1975 completed around 1980 used forty-five thousand separate sections. Each section measured high and wide costing DDM sixteen million one hundred fifty-five thousand dollars. Smooth piping lined tops intended to make scaling more difficult. Mesh fencing, signal fencing, anti-vehicle trenches, beds of nails under balconies reinforced defenses. Over one hundred sixteen watchtowers and twenty bunkers housed hundreds of guards throughout the perimeter.

When was the Berlin Wall officially closed and what date is known as Barbed Wire Sunday?

The border with West Berlin was officially closed on Sunday morning, the 13th of August 1961. This date became commonly referred to as Barbed Wire Sunday in Germany.

How many people died trying to cross the Berlin Wall between 1961 and 1989?

At least one hundred forty deaths occurred according to research groups, though official figures previously listed only ninety-eight killed individuals. Estimates regarding fatalities vary significantly with some claiming well above two hundred.

Who ordered the construction of the Berlin Wall and when did they sign the order?

First Secretary Walter Ulbricht signed the order to close the border and build a wall at a government guesthouse north of East Berlin on Saturday, the 12th of August 1961. A telephone call transcript suggests Nikita Khrushchev initiated the project while Ulbricht pushed for closure.

What happened during the Pan-European Picnic on the 19th of August 1989?

More than thirteen thousand East German tourists escaped through Hungary to Austria after an open border gate was created based on Otto von Habsburg idea. This event set chain reaction events into motion that led to mass demonstrations throughout East Germany.

When did full demolition of the Berlin Wall begin and when was it completed?

Full demolition began the 13th of June 1990 and concluded in 1994 according to official records. Three long sections remain standing today as historical memorials including the East Side Gallery along Spree River.

Berlin Wall.

The Brain Drain Crisis Of 1961

Construction And Structural Evolution

Defection Attempts And Casualties

Cultural Resistance And Political Rhetoric

The Peaceful Revolution And Fall

Demolition And Modern Legacy

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