Berlin Wall

how long did the Berlin wall last?

1961-1989

key figures

- Nikita Khrushchev
- JFK

why was the Berlin Wall built? [5]

strategic:
- was area of territory in soviet sphere of influence that USSR didn't want their enemy to control

ideological
- East Germans were aware of higher standards of living and the greater access to resourves in the West, USSR didn't want West Germans to support Capitalism

economical
- by 1961, 3.5 mil had left East Germany creating holes in economy

Brain Drain
- educated East Germans stayed in the East to get free education then left to high paying jobs in the West

espionage
- the east feared CIA spies

What were the key events?

- free movement blocked
- 600 shot trying to escape
- Stand off at Checkpoint Charlie as USA troops and diplomats would freely walk into East Berlin so Soviet tanks pulled up to CC and prevented access to the East. tense stand off

impact of the Berlin Wall

- symbol of division
- JFK thought it was better than war but still an oppressive prison wall
- USSR thought it was was positive because it's workers were in a 'protective shell'