rwatson

The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961. At this time, East Berlin was under Soviet control while the West side was occupied by the Americans, British, and French. Citizens of West Germany faced economic and political oppression, so thousands began to flee to the West. A 96 mile-long barbed wire fence was built. A second fence was added in 1965. They also built trenches, watch towers, and bunkers. Even though there were many security measures, people still tried to escape. Many were able to, but 100 people were killed by armed guards. Communism began to collapse in the 1970's and 1980's. Hungary opened its borders in 1989. On November 9, 1989, it was announced that people taking 'private trips abroad' could pass. Thousands arrived at the checkpoints. The border guards couldn't handle so many people, and they let them pass. This marked the political fall of the wall. Germany officially united on October 3, 1990.

Die Berlin Wall wurde in 1961 gebaut. East Berlin war unter Soviet kontrolle, während der West Side von den Amerikanern, Briten und Französisch besetzt war. Die Bürger West Germany standen wirtschaftlichen und politischen Unterdrückung vor, so Tausende in den West geflohen. Einer 96 Meile langer Zaun gebaut war. Sie bauten ein zweiter Zaun im 1965. Sie bauten Gräben, Wachtürmen, Bunker auch. Obwohl gab es viele **security measures**, leuten immer noch versuchte zu fliehen. Viele leuten **escaped**, aber ein hundert leuten waren getötet.

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http://www.berlin-life.com/berlin/wall