Understanding a history of Berlin’s division during the Cold War and its impact, one should analyze the key ways and the visions of both parts of the city. So, let’s explore the question: Was East or West Berlin bad?
The Division of Berlin
After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers: These are the United States, United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union. Like the capital, the city of Berlin in the Soviet zone was also divided into four sectors.
East Berlin
East Berlin was made the capital of the German Democratic Republic or what was more commonly known as East Germany under Soviet rule. GDR was socialist state and had many similarities with other socialist country being an Influence of Soviet Union. East Berlin had a powerful political regime which mostly suppressed the people’s freedom of speech and movement.
West Berlin
West Berlin, for instance, was under the administration of America, Britain, as well as France. It was considered as representing the democratic world and was closely backed by those nations. West Berlin had more political representation, Economic Benefit and connection to West European nations.
Economic Conditions
The economic conditions observed in both eastern and western part of Berlin were relatively contrasting. West Berlin received billions of marks for social and infrastructural reconstruction and the economy was improved. It turned into an immense city characterized by a rather high level of living, with immigrants and enjoying the protection of the Western countries.
On the other hand, East Berlin faced issues on centrally planned economy, and scarce capital. The GDR preferred concentration on heavy industrial development at the cost of consumption goods hence living standard was low in the country. The state also dominated most economic enterprises and imposed heavy restraints on the capability of the citizen to engage in business.
Political System and Freedom
The political systems of East and West Berlin, do well represented the freedom and the totalitarianism that characterized the cold war.
East Berlin
East Berlin had a socialist economy because the state was controlled by the Soviet Union; large industries and resources were owned by the state. The Socialist Unity Party (SED) was the only legal party taking all the important state decisions; all other political opinions were prohibited, and media and education were controlled.
West Berlin
West Berlin was living the life of liberty, democracy and free economy. It had a multi-party system of governance freedom of the press as well as an independent judiciary. Civil liberties as well as the status of political freedom for instance was higher in West Berlin than it was in the East.
The Berlin Wall
Undoubtedly the most well known barrier dividing the East from the West Berlin was the Berlin Wall. It was constructed in 1961 cutting the city in two and representing the divide between East and West, Capitalism and Communism.
The worst impacts of the Berlin Wall were socially devastating for families and communities as it barred the reunification of dear ones; and economically the eastern Berliner had… It was used as a sign of repression and was an excellent illustration of the lives which the people from East Berlin led.
Conclusion
As such, which place was worse, East or West Berlin? Although one should pay attention to both of them it can be seen that East Berlin was politically suppressed, had severe economical issues and limited personal freedoms. However, West Berlin had a much higher GDP per capita, political and economical freedom.
Everyone can learn from the story of the Berlin during Cold War which raises fundamental values like democracy and freedom and the impact that politically utilizing a society can make.
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