What was West Berlin like during Cold War?

West Berlin was formally controlled by the Western Allies and entirely surrounded by the Soviet-controlled East Berlin and East Germany. West Berlin had great symbolic significance during the Cold War, as it was widely considered by westerners an “island of freedom” and America’s most loyal counterpart in Europe.

What was the west side of the Berlin Wall like?

The West side of the Berlin Wall was covered in graffiti while the East side was not. The subway system that had run across Germany was divided after the Berlin Wall was built. Subways on the East could only operate on the East side and vice versa.

How did the Berlin Wall Work?

The Wall cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany, including East Berlin. The barrier included guard towers placed along large concrete walls, accompanied by a wide area (later known as the “death strip”) that contained anti-vehicle trenches, beds of nails and other defenses.

How did the Cold War affect Berlin?

Berlin was at the heart of the Cold War. In 1962, the Soviets and East Germans added a second barrier, about 100 yards behind the original wall, creating a tightly policed no man’s land between the walls. After the wall went up, more than 260 people died attempting to flee to the West.

What was it like to live in West Berlin during the Cold War?

So – In my memory, living in West-Berlin during the Cold War was as normal as it could be, given that I didn’t know anything else. And I think it was not much different from living in any other West-German city – until you stood in front of the wall.

Why was the German army so well prepared for WW2?

The looming threat of the Soviet forces massed across the Inner German Border were the principal enemy for which the Army prepared. Outnumbered three to one, any battle would be short and bloody. Everything about life in the BAOR was geared towards fighting and winning. It was about preparing not just for a war, but the war.

Why did the British Army garrison Germany during the Cold War?

But in the years that followed, growing tension between East and West evolved into the Cold War. For the next four decades, the Army garrisoned Germany, training and preparing to face a possible attack by the Communist Warsaw Pact. British soldiers dug-in by the side of a road during an exercise in West Germany, 1979

What happened in Germany during the Cold War?

Active Edge: The Army, Germany and the Cold War In 1945, British troops occupied Germany alongside their wartime Soviet allies. But in the years that followed, growing tension between East and West evolved into the Cold War.