Introduction
The Berlin wall was a physical barrier that was constructed by Germany in 1961. The wall was located between West Berlin and East Germany and was a symbolic boundary between the communist and the democratic. As a result, it hindered the immigration of people into West Berlin which was economically developed compared to East Germany. Many families were split and residents of East Germany who were working in various sectors in West Berlin lost their jobs. The wall underwent four evolutions. In 1961, a wire fence was constructed and between 1962and 1965, an improved wire fence was constructed. A concrete wall was later built between 1965 and 1975 while a border wall was constructed between 1975 to 1989 ( Mangham, 2008, p. 103). The wall fell after the separation of these two countries for twenty-eight years. Its fall was a celebration of many people in the world. This essay discusses the significance of this wall to the economy.
Importance of the fall of the Berlin wall
When the wall fell, freedom of movement was attained and people could freely move from East to West Germany. According to Mangham (2008, p. 103), when the wall fell, people’s faces were shinning expressing joy due to their freedom. The fall of the wall led to the end of the dictatorial regime where those who opposed especially the workers were oppressed. Therefore, its fall changed the lives of the citizens of East Germany.
Upon the fall of the Berlin wall, most communist and socialist countries underwent some transition. Some of these countries include Russia, Central, and Eastern Europe, Vietnam, and china.
According to Warner (2005, p.9), liberalization was one of the significances of the fall of the Berlin wall. When people are liberated they are free to make their own decision. For example, during the entire period that the wall was in place, the country’s economy was controlled by the government. After its fall, the market forces controlled the prices of goods and services. In addition, they state-owned all the properties. The fall of the wall gave individuals the capacity to own properties. When the prices of goods and services in the market are controlled by the market forces, the producers produce products of high quality due to the competition in the market. Moreover, when the citizens own property in the country their living standards are improved and the cost of living increases.
Other than property rights and liberalization, the Berlin wall affected the social lives of the people. When it was built, many families broke and therefore its fall leads to families unifying. People also engaged in business and hence they were able to socialize. Democracy was also initiated in most countries which contributed largely to economic growth and development (Warner, 2005, p.10).
Conclusion
Berlin wall was built in 1961 and it acted as a physical barrier between East Germany and West Berlin. West Berlin was economically growing while the East of Germany which was under an authoritative government did not have a stable economy.
This wall had immediate effects such as separation of families and people losing their jobs especially those from East Germany. Therefore when it was broken, it liberated people and they were able to move freely. Those from East Germany were also able to earn property which lead to economic growth and development in these countries.
Reference List
- Mangham, S. (2008). Image critique &the fall of the Berlin wall. San Francisco: Intellect books.
- Warner, M. (2005). Management in transitional economies: from the Berlin wall to the great wall of china. New York: Routledge.