What did the Berlin wall look like?

The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. Constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) starting on 13 August 1961, the Wall completely cut off (by land) West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. The barrier included guard towers placed along large sections of the wall, as well as a wide area (later known as the "death strip") that contained anti-tank obstacles, mines, and other defenses. The Eastern Block claimed that the Wall was erected to protect its population from fascist elements conspiring to prevent the "building of socialism" in East Germany.

When the Berlin Wall was first built in August 1961, it was a rickety structure made of cinder blocks and barbed wire. But over time, it was reinforced with concrete and steel and became a formidable obstacle, 12 feet high and 4 feet thick. The Wall also had a series of checkpoints, where East German guards would inspect people and their belongings before allowing them to cross.

During its nearly 30 years of existence, the Berlin Wall was a symbol of oppression and division. It separated families and friends, and it prevented people from freely traveling between East and West Berlin. But the Wall also became a symbol of resistance, and it was a focal point for protests against communist rule in East Germany. In 1989, after a series of peaceful demonstrations, the Berlin Wall was finally opened, and Germany was reunited.