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The Berlin Wall: A History from Beginning to End
Discover the remarkable history of the Berlin Wall...
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For 28 years, the Berlin Wall was a symbol of communist oppression and tyranny. The barricade was built in August of 1961 to keep East German citizens from defecting to West Germany. Those who defied the authorities and attempted to defect paid with their lives in at least 140 cases. Nevertheless, more than 5,000 East Germans successfully defected to the West—a testament to the desperation they felt. They were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and they often did so in innovative ways, using such means as tunnels, aerial lines, and homemade hot air balloons.
This book tells the story of the context in which the Berlin Wall was erected as shared Allied governance of Germany post-World War II quickly became divided between the two political ideologies of communism and capitalism. Those divisions would spark the Cold War when Soviet forces sought to restrict Western access to East Berlin. However, the Soviets didn’t count on the perseverance of the Allied support for West Germany and West Berlin, and they didn’t count on the desire for freedom within the East. This is the story of an oppressive symbol—a wall erected to form a prison for those within its border—but it is also the story of triumph over tyranny when, finally, 28 years after it was first built, the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989.
Discover a plethora of topics such asPost-War GermanyThe Start of the Cold WarThe Building of the Berlin WallTraveling Across the BorderDefection AttemptsThe Fall of the Berlin WallAnd much more!
So if you want a concise and informative book on the Berlin Wall, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
Free BONUS Inside!
For 28 years, the Berlin Wall was a symbol of communist oppression and tyranny. The barricade was built in August of 1961 to keep East German citizens from defecting to West Germany. Those who defied the authorities and attempted to defect paid with their lives in at least 140 cases. Nevertheless, more than 5,000 East Germans successfully defected to the West—a testament to the desperation they felt. They were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and they often did so in innovative ways, using such means as tunnels, aerial lines, and homemade hot air balloons.
This book tells the story of the context in which the Berlin Wall was erected as shared Allied governance of Germany post-World War II quickly became divided between the two political ideologies of communism and capitalism. Those divisions would spark the Cold War when Soviet forces sought to restrict Western access to East Berlin. However, the Soviets didn’t count on the perseverance of the Allied support for West Germany and West Berlin, and they didn’t count on the desire for freedom within the East. This is the story of an oppressive symbol—a wall erected to form a prison for those within its border—but it is also the story of triumph over tyranny when, finally, 28 years after it was first built, the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989.
Discover a plethora of topics such asPost-War GermanyThe Start of the Cold WarThe Building of the Berlin WallTraveling Across the BorderDefection AttemptsThe Fall of the Berlin WallAnd much more!
So if you want a concise and informative book on the Berlin Wall, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2021
169 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 9, 2025
Post the recent elections held in Germany there was a graphical description explaining how east and west germans voted. And of course there were distinct patterns about this. When I was discussing this very graphical representation one of the acquaintances who hails from the west told me something shocking. She said very bluntly " then East Germany complains about the way West Germans treat them". Mind you it's been close to 3 decades as of now and yet the differences remain. The fall of the Berlin wall was one of the most monumental events but the after effects are still there.
December 13, 2022
a tale of two cities
A fascinating yet painful account of the division of Berlin following WW2, the erection of the wall in 1961, successful escape stories, and the all-night party that began on November 9th, 1989 to celebrate the end of the oppression the wall represented. Even so, sadly, there still remains a psychological, financial, and cultural divide between East Berliners and West Berliners that has not been fully resolved by 2022.
It is, of course, a cautionary tale, for while Gorbachev and Yeltsin supported the wall’s end, and tried to set Russia on the path to democracy, we now have Putin, who has unraveled all the reform and begun not just a new Cold War, but a Hot War as well. What is encouraging is that, after much equivocation, Berlin is now standing up to a Soviet Union once again.
The wall is down.
A fascinating yet painful account of the division of Berlin following WW2, the erection of the wall in 1961, successful escape stories, and the all-night party that began on November 9th, 1989 to celebrate the end of the oppression the wall represented. Even so, sadly, there still remains a psychological, financial, and cultural divide between East Berliners and West Berliners that has not been fully resolved by 2022.
It is, of course, a cautionary tale, for while Gorbachev and Yeltsin supported the wall’s end, and tried to set Russia on the path to democracy, we now have Putin, who has unraveled all the reform and begun not just a new Cold War, but a Hot War as well. What is encouraging is that, after much equivocation, Berlin is now standing up to a Soviet Union once again.
The wall is down.
August 2, 2024
THE BERLIN WALL A History from Beginning to End. “It’s not a very nice solution, but a wall is a hell of a lot better than a war.” —John F. Kennedy
I had no idea that President Kennedy and I agree completely. A wall helps to control things. Many countries still have them today.
I had no idea that President Kennedy and I agree completely. A wall helps to control things. Many countries still have them today.
November 29, 2021
Wonderful narration of the events that led to the erection of the Berlin Wall that was truly representative of the Cold War that raged during the second half of twentieth century. The description about those that dared to cross the Wall before it was actually brought down makes for an interesting read.
January 11, 2025
Nothing more than an article.
July 8, 2023
Could this happen again.
November 9, 1989… What jubilation and celebration when the wall between east and west Germany fell. This is a brief narrative on what caused the wall to be erected, and what actually brought it down. For me, this was a validation of those things I knew about the division between East and West Germany, but it also gave me more insight into what actually happened.
November 9, 1989… What jubilation and celebration when the wall between east and west Germany fell. This is a brief narrative on what caused the wall to be erected, and what actually brought it down. For me, this was a validation of those things I knew about the division between East and West Germany, but it also gave me more insight into what actually happened.
April 24, 2022
I learned more about the Berlin Wall in other unspecialized books. This looks and reads like nothing more than a somewhat long online article self-published into a book.
September 18, 2022
"“From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.”
"—Winston Churchill"
................................................................................................
One recalls a colleague remarking that the East German premier wasn't happy about the prospect of unification of Germany. "Of course not!", one recalls saying - "he's going to lose a job!"
That was shortly before one was in that situation oneself, and proceeded to attempt finding another. That had then involved loss of an address as well, but that was not merely of course - lived as one for years had, depending on where work takes one ,and by then fairly used to it, hence not as afraid as one would have been if one had an inkling of immediate future - but much more.
But just then, all that had palled before the enormity of having lost raison d'etre.
................................................................................................
"For 28 years, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of separation and oppression. It symbolized the separation of the Eastern Bloc from Western democracy, and it further symbolized the cruel oppression of an authoritarian regime. In 1961, the wall was erected literally overnight, and through the years, many of those who tried to escape its confinement paid with their lives.
"This 12-foot tall wall served to separate not only a country but two different political ideologies as well—communism and capitalism. It worked well to keep East Germans from fleeing the increasingly oppressive Soviet-backed regime that was installed in East Germany post-World War II. Only the most trusted East Germans were allowed to travel to the West, and even then, only one family member could go at a time, and they were restricted in the amount of money they could take with them.
"The waves of emigrating East Germans that had been an embarrassment to the Soviet officials who controlled the sector prior to the wall’s construction were stopped from continuing their flight. But, during the years after the wall was erected, the desperate attempts at defection continued to highlight the truth—the people wanted freedom, and they would do anything to get it. Over 5,000 East Germans successfully crossed the wall, despite construction reinforcements that included a death strip cleared of any possible cover so that guards could more easily shoot would-be defectors.
The situation is only slightly different across borders within what was India until 1947 - major difference being, those stealing into India across border North-West aren't stopped or shot by their masters, but given weapons, ammunition and training at perpetrating terror, killing, and generally raising mayhem.
Those stealing across borders of East Bengal are doing it, for most part, on a slightly subtle and long term basis.
Unless they are Hindus, fleeing persecution of Islamic culture that seeks to wipe out that of their beloved homeland.
April 26, 2024
I remember when the Berlin Wall came down and there were pieces of the Berlin wall available for sale! I also visited Berlin soon after the wall came down and the tour guide told us about the celebrations that took place after the wall came down. At the same time she mocked how the East Germans drove and did things.
The book is very informative and gives us all the historical background- the reasons why the wall was constructed and its effect on the people living on both sides. One of the reasons why the wall was constructed is that many professional and skilled workers from East Germany fled to West Germany.
The book is very informative and gives us all the historical background- the reasons why the wall was constructed and its effect on the people living on both sides. One of the reasons why the wall was constructed is that many professional and skilled workers from East Germany fled to West Germany.
December 31, 2024
ترجمه فارسی کتاب رو خوندم که خوب بود. نشر سفیر چاپش کرده. کتاب کوتاهیه اما چیزای زیادی ازش یادگرفتم. شرح وقایع مرتبط با دیوار برلین، بلافاصله از پایان جنگ جهانی دوم تا پس از فروریختن دیوار، توضیح داده شده.
دوجاش میخکوبم کرد.
۱. جایی در دفتر خاطرات یکی از ساکنان آلمان شرقی، قبل از فروریختن دیوار، نوشته شده: زندگی ما روحش را از دست داده است، هیچکاری از دستمان ساخته نیست.
و
۲. نویسنده در پایان کتاب، ذکر میکنه که حتا امروز، ۳۰ سال بعد از فروریختن دیوار، بین آلمان شرقی و غربی از لحاظ سطح رفاه و درآمد تفاوتهایی وجود داره: این وضع به نحوی اندوهبار به یادمان میآورد که میراث ظلم مدت مدیدی دوام میآورد.
دوجاش میخکوبم کرد.
۱. جایی در دفتر خاطرات یکی از ساکنان آلمان شرقی، قبل از فروریختن دیوار، نوشته شده: زندگی ما روحش را از دست داده است، هیچکاری از دستمان ساخته نیست.
و
۲. نویسنده در پایان کتاب، ذکر میکنه که حتا امروز، ۳۰ سال بعد از فروریختن دیوار، بین آلمان شرقی و غربی از لحاظ سطح رفاه و درآمد تفاوتهایی وجود داره: این وضع به نحوی اندوهبار به یادمان میآورد که میراث ظلم مدت مدیدی دوام میآورد.
November 23, 2021
and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpdee together again
I was in Berlin from 1970-72 which was not really mentioned. I have read two books on Berlin. The first, from the Wall Street collapse to the rise of the Third Reich. The second, after the WWII, the city is divided into zones and becomes a pawn between East and West spy systems.
I enjoyed reading about the periods before and after my stay and the tensions between the two societies. “Be careful for was you wish for, you may get it.”
I was in Berlin from 1970-72 which was not really mentioned. I have read two books on Berlin. The first, from the Wall Street collapse to the rise of the Third Reich. The second, after the WWII, the city is divided into zones and becomes a pawn between East and West spy systems.
I enjoyed reading about the periods before and after my stay and the tensions between the two societies. “Be careful for was you wish for, you may get it.”
December 23, 2021
Tumultuous Times
A story of the 28 years that profoundly impacted. Org East and West following World War II. Having been in Berlin during the 1970s and 1980s, life there was much different than today. The history of that time and place should be remembered and studied by all freedom-living people so it doesn't occur again! This book is a good beginning to learning about the Berlin Wall and it's time and impact on history.
A story of the 28 years that profoundly impacted. Org East and West following World War II. Having been in Berlin during the 1970s and 1980s, life there was much different than today. The history of that time and place should be remembered and studied by all freedom-living people so it doesn't occur again! This book is a good beginning to learning about the Berlin Wall and it's time and impact on history.
December 26, 2022
More than just a barrier
This is one of the best books I've read by Hourly History
The history of the Berlin wall shown to be more than a history it's a representation of political ideology and the human spirit and I especially appreciated the Author giving the reader the realities of life after the wall came down and the continued struggle of reunified Germany Bravo Hourly History well done
This is one of the best books I've read by Hourly History
The history of the Berlin wall shown to be more than a history it's a representation of political ideology and the human spirit and I especially appreciated the Author giving the reader the realities of life after the wall came down and the continued struggle of reunified Germany Bravo Hourly History well done
November 13, 2025
An important quick read
Please consider reading this short history of the Berlin Wall period unless you are an expert in history or a PhD in history comma you will learn many new things that you did not know. And as the conclusion States because history of Rhymes it is a cautionary Tale for those today who want to change the United States from a Democratic Republic to a socialist democracy. There's a big difference between the two.
Please consider reading this short history of the Berlin Wall period unless you are an expert in history or a PhD in history comma you will learn many new things that you did not know. And as the conclusion States because history of Rhymes it is a cautionary Tale for those today who want to change the United States from a Democratic Republic to a socialist democracy. There's a big difference between the two.
November 27, 2021
Interesting and informative
I enjoyed this book. I have always loved learning about history, and this book taught me quite a bit about the history of the Berlin Wall. I was two when the Wall was built so I grew up hearing about it on the news. After reading this book I feel that I understand more about how it affected people on both sides.
I enjoyed this book. I have always loved learning about history, and this book taught me quite a bit about the history of the Berlin Wall. I was two when the Wall was built so I grew up hearing about it on the news. After reading this book I feel that I understand more about how it affected people on both sides.
February 28, 2022
The Berlin Wall,for better or worse !
The Berlin Wall stood to 28 years it kept the Germanys apart, and while the governments in the west publicly stated what a terrible thing it was to keep these people apart,they were secretly happy with this arrangement. The thought of a reunited Germany, with its history, was a scary situation !
The Berlin Wall stood to 28 years it kept the Germanys apart, and while the governments in the west publicly stated what a terrible thing it was to keep these people apart,they were secretly happy with this arrangement. The thought of a reunited Germany, with its history, was a scary situation !
November 14, 2025
Fascinating
I enjoyed this short but effective book very much having lived and worked in West Germany for 9 years with the British Army and visited Berlin & East Germany on two occasions.. So it was with interest that I read this book which included many interesting facts with regards to places , facts and historical events. An enjoyable book thank you..
I enjoyed this short but effective book very much having lived and worked in West Germany for 9 years with the British Army and visited Berlin & East Germany on two occasions.. So it was with interest that I read this book which included many interesting facts with regards to places , facts and historical events. An enjoyable book thank you..
December 23, 2021
Very interesting book
In a matter of fact and concise way , this book gives you a lot of information. From start to finish really appreciated the content as your taken through the how’s when , where and why’s ouch a thing happened.
In a matter of fact and concise way , this book gives you a lot of information. From start to finish really appreciated the content as your taken through the how’s when , where and why’s ouch a thing happened.
September 29, 2023
Well worth reading….
The best part of the book is that it is a piece of history as it happened. I was once arrested in east Berlin for having given an east~Berliner a pack of west-German cigarettes. As pointed out in this reading tobacco material was hard to get and also pretty expensive. Luckily for me, the ordeal took only a few hours before I was back in the west again. One final note, my German, speaking abilities, and my Danish sense
of humor assisted me greatly in the process.
The best part of the book is that it is a piece of history as it happened. I was once arrested in east Berlin for having given an east~Berliner a pack of west-German cigarettes. As pointed out in this reading tobacco material was hard to get and also pretty expensive. Luckily for me, the ordeal took only a few hours before I was back in the west again. One final note, my German, speaking abilities, and my Danish sense
of humor assisted me greatly in the process.
December 28, 2024
AMAZING READ!
History is not my strong suit. I learned so much from this short read, and was constantly captivated by the content. This is a must read for a historical moron like me, or for someone who wants to learn more about history.
History is not my strong suit. I learned so much from this short read, and was constantly captivated by the content. This is a must read for a historical moron like me, or for someone who wants to learn more about history.
November 7, 2025
Keep up the good work.
As usual a great outline of a bit of history. I like these books very much. If I want more it's up to me to go deeper. These books provide a good outline and starting place.
As usual a great outline of a bit of history. I like these books very much. If I want more it's up to me to go deeper. These books provide a good outline and starting place.
November 24, 2021
A good introduction to history behind the building of the Berlin Wall.
February 24, 2022
everything you wanted to know
I knew about the wall but didn’t understand it until I read this book. I am enlightened and now understand what happened in and to Germany. Good book!
I knew about the wall but didn’t understand it until I read this book. I am enlightened and now understand what happened in and to Germany. Good book!
July 3, 2022
This is a very good essay on a major incident in the Cold War that marked its beginning and its end.
May 23, 2024
Good Summary
It truly takes about an hour to read. It is informative better than history class and some aspects, it is entertaining.
It truly takes about an hour to read. It is informative better than history class and some aspects, it is entertaining.
Want to read
July 24, 2024O
March 21, 2023
A remarkable period in modern history when a city became divided between political ideologies. This is a solid overview of why the Berlin Wall was built and how and why it came down.
December 7, 2023
A quick overview of the Berlin Wall going up, and coming down.
April 15, 2023
Good quick read on the history of the Wall. Would have loved more pictures / maps to go with the content but it was still very good.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews