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Contents
Berlin's history has been shaped by the division between East and West Germany, and the Berlin Wall is undoubtedly one of the most iconic symbols of that era. Today, the Berlin Wall Museum stands as a testament to that history. It's a museum like no other, with exhibits designed to tell the stories of the people whose lives were affected by the wall. From the perspectives of both the East and West, this museum has much to offer. Read on to look at 12 unique and interesting facts about the museum.
Interesting Facts About the Berlin Wall
1. The Berlin Wall fall was unplanned
The fall of the Berlin Wall occurred accidentally when a confused announcement by Günter Schabowski led to mistaken reports of open border crossings, causing a surge of East Berliners to the wall. Overwhelmed and facing a growing mob, Officer Harald Jäger opened the Bornholmer Street checkpoint, followed by others.
2. The wall’s construction occurred 15 years into the Cold War
The Berlin Wall was erected over 15 years into the Cold War due to the escalating number of skilled East German professionals fleeing to the West. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev finally allowed the construction after defections reached 1,000 people per day in the summer of 1961.
3. The wall is actually two walls
The Berlin Wall consisted of two concrete walls, separated by a "death strip" up to 160 yards wide. It contained watchtowers, anti-vehicle trenches, guard dog runs, floodlights, and trip-wire machine guns.
4. Many lives were lost while escaping
Over 100 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Berlin Wall, with estimates ranging higher. The first victim was Ida Siekmann in 1961, and the last fatality occurred in 1989 when a young East German crashed into power lines while trying to fly over the wall in a hot air balloon.
5. People fled using creative methods
More than 5,000 people escaped by going over and under the Berlin Wall. Conrad Schumann, an East German border guard, famously leapt over the barbed wire just two days after the wall was erected. Escape methods became more elaborate, including hiding in cars, digging tunnels, and even using an ultra-light plane.
6. The wall had a nasty nickname
East Germany referred to the wall as the "Antifascist Bulwark" to justify its construction as protection against Western fascists, spies, and ideas. Walter Ulbricht, the East German leader, stated that it sealed cracks and closed holes that could let enemies of the German people enter.
7. A part of the wall is in Las Vegas
Following its demolition, many sections of the Berlin Wall were recycled, but some were auctioned off and dispersed globally. One such segment can be found in the men's room of the Main Street Station Casino in Las Vegas, serving as urinal partitions behind protective glass.
8. Pieces of the wall are sold on eBay
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, fragments of the wall became cherished souvenirs for people worldwide. Many individuals eagerly collected pieces of the wall as tangible reminders of the historic event. Interestingly, some enterprising individuals even took to selling these remnants on online platforms like eBay, capitalizing on the demand for a piece of history.
9. The wall became home to wild rabbits
During its twenty-eight-year existence, the Berlin Wall inadvertently created an unexpected haven for wild rabbits. The presence of the wall provided a unique environment where these small creatures thrived. With restricted access to certain areas and reduced human activity along the barrier, the population of wild rabbits multiplied from 1961 to 1989.
10. The death strip was a death trap
The Berlin Wall was a complex structure comprising two concrete walls, with a "death strip" sandwiched between them. This death strip, spanning approximately 160 feet in width, was a heavily fortified area featuring watchtowers, anti-vehicle trenches, guard dog runs, floodlights, and trip-wire machine guns.
11. An acrobat escaped the wall on a tightrope
In 1963, an extraordinary event unfolded when an East German acrobat named Horst Klein made a daring crossing over the wall. Employing his high-level acrobatic skills, Klein utilized a high-tension cable as a tightrope to traverse the imposing barrier.
12. The initial construction proposal was rejected
The idea of constructing the Berlin Wall was initially turned down. However, due to a significant exodus of residents from East Germany, the Soviet leaders eventually approved the plan. The wall's construction took place rapidly, and its eventual dismantling occurred within a matter of days, making its existence as short-lived as its downfall.
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All Your Questions About Berlin Wall Facts Answered
When was the Berlin Wall built?
The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961.
Why was the Berlin Wall built?
The Berlin Wall was built to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin.
When was the Berlin Wall demolished?
The Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989.
How long was the Berlin Wall?
The Berlin Wall stretched for approximately 96 miles (155 kilometers).
How many people died trying to cross the Berlin Wall?
Around 140 people lost their lives while attempting to cross the Berlin Wall.
What was Checkpoint Charlie?
Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing point between East and West Berlin.
Did the Berlin Wall divide families?
Yes, the Berlin Wall separated families and friends for nearly three decades.
Who ordered the construction of the Berlin Wall?
The construction of the Berlin Wall was ordered by the East German government.
Could people legally pass through the Berlin Wall?
No, passing through the Berlin Wall required official permission or risking one's life.
Did the Berlin Wall have guard towers?
Yes, the Berlin Wall was lined with guard towers where armed border guards kept watch.
Were there any successful escapes across the Berlin Wall?
Yes, some people managed to successfully escape over or under the Berlin Wall.
What was the "Death Strip"?
The "Death Strip" was a heavily fortified area between the inner and outer walls of the Berlin Wall.