The wall we write about today that separated Berlin and symbolizes division and separation came alive during the Cold War and lasted for 28 years before it crumbled down come 1989. The act of crossing the Berlin Wall was very risky and prohibited because Berlin Wall was thoroughly secured and even fenced off. In this article, we will discussthe efforts made to outsmart this colossal obstacle and give information on the ways by which it can be efficiently escape and some real-life experiences of escape attempts. You will observe when reading this content that it was composed for historical and informative exposition only.
- Tunneling
One of the most complex and risky ways how to overcome the Berlin Wall was so-called tunneling. Inmates would claw their way through to freedom through a tunnel that they started digging from basements or some other inconspicuous place in West Berlin and get to . Such tunnels were well planned tunnels, and took several months to plan and make. The end of the tunnel will also have to be blinded off during construction of the tunnel.
However, tunneling was an enormously dangerous business as the escapees had to face a number of difficulties. There were seven key dangers during tunneling for the structures: flowing of water, falling of the above ground and its penetration leading to a cave in and the possibility of its discovery by officials. Nonetheless, there some daring people who successfully transited through the tunnel that those building the Berlin Wall had provided.
- Hot Air Balloons
Another that was used in its attempt to escape from East Germany was a method, which involved using hot air balloons. In this movie, people would build their own hot air balloons and take gas to fly over the Berlin Wall. This method needed alot of preparation and synchronization to ensure that the escape is successful.
Fugitives are faced with conditions such as wind speed and direction, weather, chances of being detected either physically by the border patrol or technologically by radar. Although cases of hot air ballooning escapes were few, they became the focus of world attention in that they characterized the desire to battle and eject physical and political boundaries.
- Hiding in Vehicles
Some people tried to cross the Berlin Wall crawling underneath the car bodies. They would see themselves hiding in secret spaces or crannies, under the seat, or in boots. Such a check was extremely dangerous as border guards sometimes performed thorough examinations. But situations ensued that some of the intelligent persons escaped the eyes of the authorities and they crossed the border.
- Swimming and Boating
For those who lived in the vicinity of the sea, lake or ocean, the only way of getting out of East Germany was by swimming or using a rubber dinghy. A particular part was evident in the River Spree, in Berlin where the inmates could attempt some elaborate escapes. Boating was also hazardous because swimmers had to face the danger of the powerful flowing water in the river, and the possibility of being arrested by border guards along the river. Trying to catch escapees in the water was often difficult, so this made the method somewhat useful for those who wanted to be free.
- Through Checkpoints
In as much as it might seem unbelievable seeing that the Berlin Wall was a highly secured barbed wired fence, a few people were able to find chinks in the border control armor through loopholes. They would pose as tourists or diplomats travelling in western countries carrying fake documents, wearing wigs and beards, using diversions with guards to make a legal crossing of the border line.
Others tried to pretend to be tourists or be a part of diplomatic cars, effectively using the chaos and crowds to get by gates and numerous passing cars. It is a science to cross successfully through checkpoints entrusted with great powers and responsibility during such operations.
Conclusion
Crossing the border over the Berlin Wall – that called for loads and loads of guts, fantasies and resourcefulnesses. Nonetheless, all the methods discussed in this article are histories and must not be practiced or encouraged. Currently the Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of check-point Charlie that divided east and west Berlin and it is remains as a memory of a nation that suffered so much yearning for freedom.
