7 Fascinating Facts About the Berlin Wall

Q: What was the main purpose of the Berlin Wall?

A: The main purpose of the Berlin Wall was to prevent East German citizens from fleeing to the West.

Q: How long was the Berlin Wall?

A: The Berlin Wall was over 150 kilometers long.

Today, we celebrate 28 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, one of the most significant landmarks of the 20th century, which not only changed the fate of Germany but also that of Europe and the world. This date is a moment to reflect on the historical impact of this structure that separated families, friends, and nations for almost 30 years. Let’s recall some of the most fascinating facts about this symbol of the Cold War.

1 – A Wall Built with a Different Objective

Unlike many walls that serve to protect against intruders, the Berlin Wall was erected to prevent East German citizens from fleeing to the West. Between 1949 and 1961, over three million East Germans attempted to escape to the western side, with many crossing through Berlin. The construction of the wall in 1961 was an attempt to halt this mass exodus, isolating East Germany.

2 – A Growing Wall

The Berlin Wall wasn’t always the same static structure. Initially, the physical barrier consisted of a simple fence. However, as escape attempts increased, the wall was progressively reinforced. In 1963, a border area was created behind the wall, including additional fences and other obstacles. In the 1970s, an inner wall was built to increase border security.

3 – The Berlin Wall Beyond Borders

With the fall of the wall, many people took pieces of it as souvenirs. Although most of the Berlin Wall is in Germany, not all pieces are found there. For example, the Newseum in Washington D.C. has the largest portion of the wall outside of Germany, in pristine condition and preserved.

4 – The Berlin Wall’s Widow

Eija-Riitta Berliner-Mauer, a Swedish woman, married the Berlin Wall in 1979, after being diagnosed with objectophilia, an attraction to inanimate objects. She even adopted the name “Berliner-Mauer” and became known as the “widow of the wall,” as after the wall’s fall in 1989, she considered her marriage to the famous monument to be over. To this day, she mourns the damage caused to the structure she “loved”.

5 – The First Artist of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is now famous for its paintings, graffiti, and urban art. But who was the first to turn the wall into a canvas? Thierry Noir, a French artist, was a pioneer in this form of artistic protest. He painted over 5 kilometers of the wall, using graffiti as a way to express his opposition to the East German regime.

6 – More Than Just a Wall

The Berlin Wall was not just a concrete wall. It was a fortress, with over 150 kilometers of length and 302 watchtowers. There were also 259 guard posts with dogs, over 20 bunkers, and 125 kilometers of electrified fences, making any attempt to escape extremely risky.

7 – The Wall That Fell by Accident

Many think that the fall of the Berlin Wall was a planned action, but in reality, it happened by accident. On November 9, 1989, Guenter Schabowski, a spokesperson for the East German government, announced at a press conference that citizens could cross the border freely. His ambiguous statement caused confusion, and thousands of people, believing the border was open, headed to the wall. Eventually, the soldiers opened the gates, and the wall fell in an unexpected manner, marking the end of an era.

Conclusion
The Berlin Wall was not just a physical barrier but also a symbol of the ideological and political divisions of the Cold War. Its fall not only marked the reunification of Germany but also the end of a period of tension between East and West. Today, the stories and curiosities surrounding the wall continue to be a powerful reminder of how the world was transformed by this historical event.

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