The Last Division: Berlin, the Wall, and the Cold War

by Ann Tusa, Raymond Seitz (Foreword)

“A brilliant paper chase—an excellent book.”—Library Journal

JFK, Khrushchev, Reagan, and a city divided.

Berlin has played a major role in world politics since the Nazi era and continues to be in the spotlight today as the once-again-great capital of Germany. Ann Tusa presents an engaging chronicle of the Cold War partitions of this historic city, from the political strife and administrative division by the victors against Hitler, through the building and eventual destruction of the Wall.

Using newly available documents, she offers by far the fullest account to date of the political, diplomatic, and military affairs of the city, with vivid characterizations of central figures like Konrad Adenauer, Nikita Khrushchev, and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Tusa's account also displays the full drama surrounding the building of the Wall, from its ramifications for world politics (including John F. Kennedy's famous response that “a wall is a hell of a lot better than a war” and Ronald Reagan’s iconic “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”) to the experiences of ordinary Berliners and the personal tragedies they experienced as the Wall severed a living city and sundered families for generations.

The result is a startling combination of historical detail and lucid style, a story that The Sunday Times of London has hailed as “not only painstakingly researched but eminently readable.”

Genres: History, Germany, Nonfiction

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 1996

Reviews

[Jeremy Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to read if you are thinking deeply about the importance of politics and the division of communities. It traces the history of Berlin from the end of WWII to the fall of the Berlin Wall. This once unified city was the cauldron for the gigantic Cold War themes being played out across decades. That is one view - the other is of the people and their journey which is what the Last Division is about.

I have been following the story of Berlin to top off the last three books I've read. Starting with the classic Russia at War - the conclusion of which is the toppling of Hitler and the occupation of East Germany and Berlin. This led me to 'Dancing in the flames' looking specifically at Berlin and the extraordinary changes that took place in the city between the wars. This hopeful, creative, inspiring place that was the heart of European liberalism and culture for a decade. The loss of innocence, creativity and freedom as the regions and the military enabled a fascist takeover were a shocking reminder of the issues involved as Western countries try to square the political circle today. An inspiring look at the 'honorable defeat' suffered by the many courageous resisters - including not just religious and artistic outliers but former senior politicians and officers up to and including fieldmarshal reminded me of how, once those of bad will take control of a system - just how difficult it is to turn that around. So this book reminded me that though a country may claim 'democratic' credentials - as both West and East Germany did - that the people themselves know the truth. The thirty or so pages on fall of the wall are highly emotional and inspiring about the goodness of people. A nice way to end this journey.

[Legens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Comprehensive account of the Berlin Crisis. Sadly, riddled with some factual inaccuracies, especially in regards to German, and not fully based on the Russian sources (which might have become available only afterwards).

[Asa Swain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like the subtitle of this book was a deceptive. (“A History of Berlin 1945-1989”) This is not a general history book about Berlin from 1945-1989. It’s a political history of the decisions made from 1945-61 that lead to the creation of the Berlin Wall. The book spends 200 pages before the Wall is even built. Then the book jumps ahead to what lead to the Wall bring taken down. I felt like it glossed over a lot of history from the 70’s and 80’s. I would have liked to learn more about what life was like for the average Berliner. I did enjoy the last chapter about the fall of the Berlin Wall.

[Ken Hamner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Highly recommended.

[Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study of the Berlin Wall, and Soviet "salami slice" grey zone tactics to change the status quo in their favor thru incremental incursions and aggressions. Must read for anyone interested in current Chinese actions in the south and east China seas.

[wally walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well researched book