Page 16 - Zenith2024

Zenith 2024

Germany was divided after World War II in 1945, with East Germany under Soviet communist control
and West Germany aligned with the capitalist West, led by the U.S., U.K., and France. Berlin, located
in East Germany, was similarly divided into East and West Berlin due to its symbolic significance. The
division caused stark contrasts in political systems, economic development, and living conditions. The
United States implemented the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan to strengthen anti-communist states,
providing massive economic aid to rebuild Europe and foster capitalist growth. West Germany benefited
greatly, stabilizing its economy and growing rapidly. Conversely, East Germany, under Soviet influence,
faced political oppression and economic hardship. The situation worsened with the 1948 Berlin Blockade,
during which the Soviet Union tried to isolate West Berlin. However, the U.S. and U.K. organized an airlift
to supply the city, gaining German support and exposing the Soviet regime’s limitations. In 1961, East
Germany, with Soviet approval, built the Berlin Wall to prevent citizens from fleeing to the West. This
physical and ideological barrier symbolized the Cold War divide. Despite the wall, East Germans continued
to desire the freedom and prosperity of the West. Unification became possible through political changes
in the 1970s and 80s. Chancellor Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik policy emphasized dialogue and cooperation
with East Germany, fostering human exchanges and improving relations. Media access and Mikhail
Gorbachev’s reforms in the Soviet Union exposed East Germans to democratic and capitalist ideals,
fueling dissatisfaction with communism. Finally, in 1989, growing protests, combined with a mistaken
announcement by East German official Günter Schabowski, led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1990,
Germany was officially reunified with the support of international powers.

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