Introduction
From the year 1961 to September of 1989, the wall physically and metaphorically divided East and West Berlin. To many people are aware about such fates from the eastern side but very few perhaps know what life was like for people in West Berlin which was also divided by the Wall. This particular blog focuses on the different aspects of people’s lives including accomplishments and struggles of those in this divided city.
The Geography of West Berlin
West Berlin was an enclave of East Germany, enclosed by the barrier of the Berlin Wall and the unfriendly world of the GDR. It was also geographically isolated as a city from the rest of West Germany because of its location.
Freedom and Vibrancy
However, besides physical and political barriers, West Berlin provided a population with a rich bohemian experience. It was such cultural center with arts, music, fashion and other related activities. San Francisco emerged as a seat of the counterculture and the new thinking, which attracted minds of the best schools from different countries.
1. Cultural and Intellectual Hub
Having reached West Berlin, one felt absorbing in arts and culture. It had several art galleries theaters, and museums to mention but a few social facilities. The dictators also loved places that were culturally important, such as the Berlin Philharmonic or the Berlin Zoo. Politics progressed by informal meetings in cafes and book stores where intellectuals freely discussed many ideas opposed to the government.
2. Nightlife and Entertainment
The fun part about West Berlin in particular was its mythical nightlife. In the 1980s and 1990s it was a famous clubbing city famous for punk/new Wave/Electronic Music scenes specifically. These clubs would include Tresor, Dschungel, and SO36 which emerged as flagship clubs of freedom and creativity. It was relatively easy to moving away from the political side of the Wall, given the abundance of entertainment in the city.
Wealth and Economic Disparity
Living in West Berlin was not without some problems however. The economic difference between East and West Berlin was also conspicuous. As for social background while West Berlin received economic aid from western part of Federal Republic of Germany and had rather prosperous economy, East Berlin was controlled by socialist system.
1. Economic Prosperity
During the cold war the West Berlin had a very much developed economy with free access to the other part of the world. And it turned into a business hub, market, and host of trade shows, and international relations. The regional West German government directly invested in the city offering incentives to lure commerce and employment in the secluded city.
2. Economic Disparities
These are on the odd side because while West Berlin was experiencing an economic boom, East Berlin was a place where people really had little chance of getting a break. The contrast was visible in the physical infrastructure, quality of products distributed to its consumers, and available consumer products. Such a difference led to conflicts between the two factions of the Wall.
Maintenance of Normalcy
Of course, being living in the shadow of the Wall could not be truly easy. Thus, people of West Berlin did not allow themselves to be beguiled and were able to find their ways to lead ordinary lives and create stellar communities.
1. Self-Sufficiency
Because West Berlin was cut off from the rest of West Germany, the locals had to think creatively. Thus, acquired an independent attitude more and more using local trades for products and services that could not be imported from the East. It also contributed positively in the development of companionship and courage among the people.
2. Cross-Border Relationships
Yet physically separated the West Berliners were able to communicate with their loved one’s in the East Berlin. They give emotional comfort for a divided city and allow the continued identification of two families that were once one.
Conclusion
Existence in West Berlin after the construction of the wall was as much difficult as it was lively. Urban settings, diversity in culture, income differences and a cohesive neighborhood contributed to the citizens’ experience of the city. The Wall physically separated East and West Berlin but West Berlin survived and will always remain part of history.
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