The fall of the Berlin Wall
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 had a dramatic impact on the changes in Germany. It marked the reunification of East and West Berlin and a turning point for the communism and capitalism throughout Germany. The end of World War II led to the Allied powers gaining control of Germany. Germany was a major concern in the post-war treaty talks and at the Potsdam Conference, it was agreed that Germany would be divided into four occupational zones occupied by the United States, Great Britain, France or the Soviet Union. The eastern part would be occupied the Soviet Union forming East Germany (the German Democratic Republic - GDR), and the Western part would be occupied by the United States, Great Britain, and France forming West Germany (the Federal Republic of Germany). Although all agreed on the division, there remained much tension amongst the Soviet Union and its Allies. Each side had their ideas and plans on how they wanted to rebuild Germany, resulting in a struggle for power and control, thus leading to the height of the Cold War tension. With the help of its Allies power, West Germany was set up as a capitalist society and was able to experience a rapid growth of their economy. This caused
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This wall, built with barb wires and concrete, was created to close off permanent access to West Berlin. This wall cut off the complete connection from East to West Berlin. The impact of the Berlin Wall took the West by complete surprise, ultimately having a devastating effect on many lives and families on both East and West Germans. The West regarded this as a major symbol of communist oppression. (this-day-in-history/berlin-wall-built) Although many East Germans managed to escape successfully, thousands were captured and some even killed. The Berlin Wall remained at the center of the division continued to cause much conflict from 1961-