After World War II, Germany divided into four sections or zones. While this was meant to be a temporary move, the Cold War interceded and eventually the three western zones combined to form the Federal Republic of Germany while the eastern zone formed the German Democratic Republic. (Sandford) Berlin, the capital was also divided. The two areas of Germany, East Germany and West Germany began to experience a deteriorating relationship and conflicts arose. On Sunday August 12, 1961 plans for the beginning of the Berlin Wall were instituted. Led by Erich Honecker, the plans were kept sec

In conclusion, I am lead back to the day that I saw the Berlin Wall come down. The joy and overwhelming happiness on the people’s faces as they realized that they would have opportunities that they had only dreamed of, offers hope for a successful and prosperous unified Germany. While overcoming the economic hardship created by reunification, eventually Germany will realize the positive outcome of a unified country.

Excitement and joy soon eventually gave way to discouragement and economic hardship. West Germany’s economic plan for restructuring East Germany would not be feasible. It was soon realized that the east was in far worse condition that originally believed. The German Government imposed a tax on West Germans for investment in the East German infrastructure, but this tax, which was temporary, was extended at least twice due to the horrible conditions of East Germany. As the conditions of the east improved slowly, if at all, East Germans realizing their new freedom began to migrate by the thousands to the west in search of prosperity and economic gain. This mass migration created a negative outcome for the west, including high unemployment, crowded housing, and economic shortages.

The new East German government removed travel restrictions for th

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