Life Behind the Berlin Wall

🧱 The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to divide the city and separate families and friends.

🌍 Germany was divided into two parts with different economic and political systems.

🔨 After World War II, Germany was in ruins and its economy was devastated.

🔑 Many East Germans fled to the West in search of a better life.

💼 West Germany implemented an economic system similar to that of the US.

💰 The market economy in West Germany initially led to higher prices but also increased consumer goods availability.

🧱 The Stasi was the main instrument of control in East Germany.

📺 Many East Germans watched Western television despite it being illegal.

🚶 Millions of people emigrated from East Germany to the West.

The Berlin Wall separated East and West Berlin, and attempting to cross it often led to fatal consequences.

Life in East Germany was significantly worse than in West Germany, with limited access to luxury goods and high pollution levels.

There was a lack of accountability in the socialist government for the environmental and living condition issues.

🏢 Life in East Germany was characterized by poor living conditions and lack of basic necessities.

💧 There was a severe water shortage in East Germany, with almost half of the population unable to access clean drinking water.

🏗️ Housing in East Germany was in a state of disrepair, with a significant percentage of buildings being uninhabitable or in need of serious repairs.

🚽 Toilet facilities were inadequate in East Germany, with a high percentage of people having to share a toilet with others outside their apartment.

🚗 Car ownership in East Germany was extremely limited, with people having to wait for 12-17 years to buy a new car.

🚧 The Berlin Wall was a symbol of division and repression between East and West Germany.

📞 Access to basic necessities and services, like telephones, was significantly limited in East Germany compared to the West.

🌍 The peaceful revolution and protests in 1989 led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany.

🔑 The Berlin Wall was torn down, fulfilling the dream of German reunification.

📞 The opening of the border allowed people to freely choose their path and improved living standards.

💡 The introduction of capitalist elements in the market economy resulted in further growth.