The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 by the then communist government of
East Germany to prevent its citizens from fleeing from that country.
The number of East Germans leaving for the west in search of economic
prosperity and political freedom was escalating which was undermining the
government. The Berlin Wall consisted of concrete, electric fences, vehicle
barriers and a "death strip" patrolled by the border guards.
The Berlin Wall divided Berlin in half, split up family and friends and
became a symbol of totalitarianism around the world. It remained
for 28 years.
