HIST: Germany & Berlin (Cold War)

Why was Germany divided after WWII?

After World War II, the Allies divided Germany into zones to control it and prevent future war.

What were the four occupation zones of Germany?

• Soviet zone

• British zone

• US zone

• French zone

Was the division of Germany meant to be permanent?

No — it was meant to be temporary until Germany could hold free elections.

What is important about Berlin’s location?

Berlin was inside the Soviet zone but was also divided into four occupation zones.

What became West Germany?

The US, UK, and French zones combined to form capitalist West Germany.

What became East Germany?

The Soviet zone became communist East Germany.

Front: How did West Germany’s economy change?

It improved quickly due to a new currency and economic cooperation.

What happened to East Germany’s economy?

It grew slowly under communism and had fewer opportunities.

Why did many people leave East Germany?

Over 3 million people left (1946–1961) because West Germany had better jobs and living conditions.

Why was mass migration a problem for East Germany?

It damaged the economy and embarrassed the Soviet Union.

Why was Berlin important in the Cold War?

It was a divided city inside East Germany, showing the conflict between East and West.

What was life like before the Berlin Wall?

People could freely cross between East and West Berlin to:

• visit family

• work

• shop

• access Western media

Why was the Berlin Wall built?

Because too many people were escaping from East to West Germany.

When was the Berlin Wall built?

1961 — first barbed wire, then a concrete wall.

What happened after the Berlin Wall was built?

East Germans could no longer travel to West Berlin.

What was the Berlin Wall a symbol of?

The division between:

• capitalism (West)

• communism (East)