The Berlin Wall

Why did the number of people moving from East to West Berlin increase in 1956?

Because the Hungarian uprising was crushed and many left to escape repression

What were Khrushchevs demands from the Eastern powers in 1958?

He demanded that Western powers recognise the DDR, withdraw from West Berlin and hand over access routes. The Soviets wanted to force the West to recognise the East German state, but the Allies ignored Khrushchev's demands.

Why were people moving from East to West Germany?

The USA poured large amounts of aid into West Berlin in comparison to the East which was not prosperous. Many moved attracted to its freedom, cinemas, shops and better standard of living.

What was the impact of people moving to the West on the East?

The communists saw it as a 'capitalist infection'. This exodus had a severe impact on the economy of the East, as well as undermining communism.

What was the total number of people who left East Germany between 1949-61?

2.6 million

What happened in the Vienna Summit?

Khrushchev pressurised US president Kennedy to withdraw Western forced from West Berlin within six months. Kennedy promised to protect freedom in West Berlin and rejected Khrushchev's demands.

When was the Vienna Summit?

June 1961

What did Khrushchev do in response to Kennedy's refusal?

The East imposed strict travel restrictions. Up to 1000 refugees had been leaving each day

What happened on August 13 1961?

A barbed wire barrier along the border between East and West Germany was erected by the East, which ended free movement

What was the barbed wire replaced with on August 22nd?

Barbed wire was replaced by a concrete wall. All routes to the West were closed, except Checkpoint Charlie

How did the US react to the Berlin Wall?

US diplomats and troops crossed into the East, to test the soviet reaction. On 27th Oct, Soviet tanks arrived at Checkpoint Charlie and refused to allow access to East Berlin. However, after this, there was a gradual pull back of forces.

What were the consequences of the Berlin Wall?

- Berlin was divided physically

- An exodus of workers was prevented and those caught attempting to escape were shot

- The workforce in the East stabilised and economic progress improved

- East introduced limited liberalisation and decentralisation

- Kennedy refused proposals to pull down the wall, and appeared weak

- Khrushchev failed to removed the West from Berlin and appeared weak

- Tensions between the East and the West increased, which encouraged the development of nuclear weapons

What was the situation in East Germany by the end of the period?

- A totalitarian dictatorship had been established

- Ulbricht, a hard line Stalinist, had not followed the de-Stalinisation policies of the USSR

- Ulbricht attempted to bring about social justice