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works cited

-Berlin in Defeat, 1945, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/berlindefeat.htm 

-Boccia, Romina. “I Grew up in West Germany. Here’s How Different Life Was in the East.” The Daily Signal, 25 Oct. 2025, www.dailysignal.com/2019/11/12/i-grew-up-in-west-germany-heres-how-different-life-was-in-the-east/.                                    

-Germany in Defeat, 1945, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/germanydefeat.htm. 

-“Marshall Plan (1948).” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archive and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/marshall-plan 

- Olver, Rob. “What Was It like Living in Cold War East Germany?” Forces News, www.forcesnews.com/news/what-was-it-living-cold-war-east-germany.  

-Speech by President Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate, West Berlin, “Remarks on East-West Relations” | UMD School of Public Policy Digital Archive, digitalarchive.umd.edu/document/speech-president-ronald-reagan-brandenburg-gate-west-berlin-remarks-east-west-relations. 

- “All the Ways People Escaped across the Berlin Wall.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 28 May 2025, www.history.com/articles/berlin-wall-crossings-east-germany 

- “Berlin Wall , Dates & the Fall.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 28 May 2025, www.history.com/articles/berlin-wall#The-Berlin-Wall:-The-Partitioning-of-Berlin.   

- “World War II: Causes and Timeline.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii 

- Berlin Wall | Definition, Length, & Facts | Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/Berlin-Wall.  

- Germany - Partition, Reunification, Cold War | Britannica, www.britannica.com/place/Germany/The-era-of-partition. 

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This concludes my journey through post-World War 2 Germany, specifically the timeline behind Berlin throughout the Cold war. Each region of Berlin had broken apart and after endless years they finally got reunited by freedom and prosperity. Signing off!

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"From devastation, from utter ruin, you Berliners have, in freedom, rebuilt a city that once again ranks as one of the greatest on earth." -President Ronald Reagan 

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The Fall of the Berlin Wall: November 9, 1989 

The fall of the Berlin Wall is marked on November 9,1989. Before then, a speech was done by the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He delivered an inspiring speech here in west Berlin after the Marshall had restored the society and economy of west Berlin. Beyond the crowd lies hope and a sense of power. The words “Tear down this Wall!” echoes amongst the citizens of west Berlin. A powerful impact this speech had. Reagan addresses the success of west Berlin and encourages the strength the city continuously gains and the fight against communism. Reagon pushes for freedom, further opening eyes to the power of freedom. The people yearn for freedom. A very important standard was set thanks to the Marshall plan; every citizen stands for freedom and economic prosperity. The people were assured that the communist Soviets would not interfere with the success of their city. This speech was broadcast in east Berlin as well, which solidifies the impact it had on its citizens and encouraged determination across all the people of Berlin. The people continued to fight against the wall, still attempting their courageous escapes. It became evident that the east was struggling with massive debts. As a result, a mass crowd headed for west Berlin. Together, they reunite, tearing down this wall that kept them separated for 28 years. The Soviet soldiers were not ordered to act on violence. Instead, the east was allowed to cross the wall, without any consequences. The crowd of people continued to flee, without worries. The citizens celebrated, and the masses were joyful and filled with relief from the terrible, gray concrete wall that stood. The speech marked a lasting impression on the Germans, allowing them to be hopeful. Freedom was waiting in the near future. The fall of this wall symbolizes Germany finally reuniting with each other. 

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Reconstructing Berlin!

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The plan for the future of West Berlin- April 3, 1948 

The war was devasting to countries all across the World. Germany in particular was a site of pure destruction. A proposal was made by the United States president, Harry Truman. The Marshall plan would help not only Germany, but the entirety of Europe. This was an economic proposal that intends to restore the economies of European countries. However, this plan only included west Berlin, meaning that east Berlin would not benefit from this plan. It is possible that behind this plan, no influence of the soviets in the east would penetrate east Berlin. An important thing to note is that the powers of west Berlin do not want to interfere with the Soviets, hence why the plan is exclusive to the West. There are issues that need to be addressed, such as the issue of currency. People in west berlin may be benefiting from the democratic political system, but what makes things difficult is the currency that makes it difficult to run a capitalist society. What is also being debate is whether Germany will be divided permanently, though realistically, Germany may be reunited. Will this reform eventually unite both sides? It's difficult to determine. The main concern is restoring the economy and of course it will start in the west. The United States will start importing its own goods to west Germany. This in turn would encourage the ongoing social market economy. These goods will benefit the Germans in the West. Programs such as housing and electricity are in store, with more transportation that is planned to be built. Many exchanges of knowledge, such as manufacturing, coming from the United States would be extremely beneficial so that west Germany is set for success in their economy. This plan is very important, mainly because the people of the west could use several of the Marshall plan’s benefits. For the future of the people in west Germany, and the rest of Europe will be insured a path of hope and success. 

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This is a photo of one of the tunnels that were used to escape East Germany.

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The start of a new beginning, East Germany: June, 1945 

Life between East and West Germany differs in an economic and political standpoint. With their occupation of the East, the Soviets ran the economy and politics with communist ideals. There are signs of less individuality on this side of Berlin. Compared to West Berlin, it was much harder to get ahold of basic needs. A long line of people waits for food, such as bananas. It was not cheap by any means. There was no individual prosperity. There is absolutely no freedom for the citizens of East Berlin. Citizens were constantly being watched. There was fear being instilled in the citizens, and anyone would do anything to escape. There are soldiers that heavily guard against the wall; it would be a tedious task to escape. But nothing stopped some west Berlin citizens from attempting to escape. They feel trapped; this communist system is letting people suffer every day. Each side grew more divided, with many deaths that followed the risk of leaving East Berlin. It became increasingly difficult to cross the wall. There was barbed wire, and the wall was made of sturdy, gray concrete. An unpleasant sight that stood between communist society and democratic society. Even so, the efforts never stopped. Determination was also increasing as the wall stood menacingly between east Berlin and freedom. People of East Berlin jumped over the wall, and in one instance, a train was stolen, and people escaped by using the last stop that was heading towards west Berlin. It was not just the citizens that had the desire to escape; it was also the soldiers that had the same desire. Another form of escape was tunnels. These tunnels were dug, but it was a difficult mode of escape. Although, some attempts were successful. The biggest hardship of escaping was trying to fly under the radar of the soldiers. This never stopped the people of east Berlin. Their determination was admirable. 

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The start of a new beginning, West Germany: June, 1945 

On this day, the Berlin wall form as the Allied powers took over east Germany and Soviets took the west. The east was run as a capitalist society, designed by the allies, now being known as the Democratic side of Germany. Although there is a divide, the city does not appear to accept it. The identities of both sides are constantly questioned. The “Iron Curtain” is what they call this divide. Its stands as an imaginary symbol that separates not only Germany and its capital, but the entirety of Europe. The German people will not stand with this divide. However, soon the Berlin Wall was built to keep the separation between communist East Berlin and Democratic West Berlin. Will this wall keep this divide among the German people? There are many attempts at crossing this wall, but it is not easy. The wall is heavily guarded, and the wall itself makes it very difficult to cross between both sides. Here in West Germany, there was prosperity among its citizens. The people here thrived more economically, due to the capitalist system that was set by the allies. Private properties were honored, and bananas are cheap! Another distinction I can make is that the people here are given individuality in their society. There are businesses, and services created by the German society themselves. You can see life in West Berlin thrive, but the divide of the wall continues to create tension. Even though the wall was made to keep both systems of government between the east and west separated, it would seem like a better alternative to war as the United States President said. However, the Germans of East Berlin continue to try to cross this wall so that they could escape the communist system set by the Soviets in east Berlin. I’ve seen many cases where West Germans would out East Germans for crossing due to fear of spies.

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"White flags were hanging out of windows in villages we passed on the way, just as they had been hanging out of many of the windows in Munich." -Charles Lindbergh 

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The Aftermath of Chaos and Destruction: May 7th, 1945 

Was this the end of a global catastrophe? This war left Germany in devastation and caused thousands of deaths that filled the air with burden and sadness. I walk along the streets of crumbled cement and find many signs of what a regular life was once here in Germany. The bombings had devastated homes, streets, and walkways. Citizens are scouring the city for any signs of hope, looking for anything that would feed them or give them shelter. On the other end of the city, the aftermath invited military vehicles in, specifically surrounding the bunker that once belonged to the former dictator. As a result of his leadership, Germany was left in ruins, not only was this country a former battlefield, but the economy also suffers along with the citizens. In the midst of Berlin, along with the rest of Germany, are white flags that symbolizes complete surrender. Foreigners were instructed to not interact with the Germans. Nothing too friendly, after-all Germany and their Nazi ideologies caused the war in the first place. It seems like it would take years for Germany to heal their image. How can they repay such destruction across several countries? Millions of lives were lost, whether they were soldiers, or innocent victims. As a result, the Germans are being treated as such. The soldiers would not bat an eye. Every citizen witnessed the Soviets taking over Berlin, they celebrate their victory as the Germans sat hopelessly, looking at what was formally a home to what is now an aftermath of bombings, shootings and chaos. It is difficult to fathom such destruction. There is leftover smoke, making it difficult to breathe. Children search among the rubble, and soldiers take over what was left of their homes. It was a common occurrence; German citizens are driven out of their homes in order for any foreign military to stay within German lines. What was left of Germany would be given to the allies, enforcing a new rule of power. What will become of Germany now? 

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The World's deadliest Conflict

The 2nd World War began after Germany invades Poland which caused mass destruction in several European countries and even extended into Asia. The communist axis powers fought against the democratic allied powers. This deadly conflict cost about 50,000,000 million people their lives and created chaos among the countries where battles were fought. I will travel through the devastation that was left of Germany after their last battle that caused the axis powers to surrender. This is the aftermath of humanities deadliest war.