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| Checkpoint Charlie |
The "Anti-Facist Protection Rampart" or The Wall erected by the Soviet led German Democratic Republic 50 year anniversary is commemorated.
The concrete wall erected on 13 August 1961 - known as the Berlin Wall - would become a blood soaked symbol of the Cold War. It prevented the escape of those who coveted life in the West and forced their capitulation to East German sovereignty. The concrete barrier endured for 28 years.
Fifty years ago Germans awoke on a Sunday morning to guarded concrete blocks and barbed wire; 136 people are thought to have perished in escape attempts another 1000 were killed, the wall led to a crushing brain drain in the East and it is surmised that 2.7 million rushed Westward before the wall's completion.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/08/12/gallery.berlin.wall/index.html?hpt=hp_mid
A million landmines were laid along the almost 27 mile militarized fortification with 302 guard towers, 3000 attack dogs and 55,000 anti-personnel devices.
Allies almost traded West Berlin for German land
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2026323/Secret-plan-trade-West-Berlin-Soviet-land-height-Cold-War.html
"Ich bin ein Berliner"
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