In the 1950s, millions of East Germans – including physicians, engineers and other professionals – were fleeing to West Germany due to dissatisfaction with their political and economic situations. The East German government erected a wall in 1961 – first dividing Berlin and then along the entire border with West Germany – as a barrier to prevent their movement from East to West.
The wall separated the two German countries for 28 years. During that period, over 5,000 people escaped by making their way over, under or through the barrier. More than 200 died attempting to escape; thousands were captured. The wall became a worldwide symbol of repressive communism.
In 1989, as communist governments lost their hold in eastern Europe, the border was partially opened by East Germany. That measure led to the momentous opening of the Berlin Wall on 9 November and eventually, the reunification of the two countries.
In this series of reports, VOA examines the history of the wall and the 20 years of political changes and social effects since its fall.
