Editor's Choice
What are two outcomes of the Berlin Wall's construction?
Quick answer:
The construction of the Berlin Wall prevented East Berliners from escaping to West Berlin, effectively halting the mass exodus that threatened the stability of East Germany's communist regime. Additionally, the Wall's existence discredited communism by highlighting its need to physically restrain its citizens, thereby granting the West moral superiority in the Cold War. These outcomes significantly impacted the geopolitical landscape of the era.
The first and most obvious outcome was that people were no longer able to escape communism simply by leaving East Berlin and going to West Berlin. This was important in human terms for the people who were caught, but it was also important in allowing communism to continue in East Germany. If people had been able to keep leaving in huge numbers, East Germany would have had a hard time surviving.
The second outcome was that communism was badly discredited. The fact that the communists needed to build a wall to keep people in was a major black eye for their cause. This helped give the West the moral high ground in the Cold War.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.