HISTORY IGCSE CONTENT - 20TH CENTURY OPTION - USA CONTAINING COMMUNISM: THE BERLIN WALL.

1. IGCSE CONTENT
USA CONTAINING
COMMUNISM
THE BERLIN WALL 1961
HOMEWORK
6

2. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – USA CONTAINING COMMUNISM – MR. D
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BERLIN – SOURCE OF TENSION
Berlin was a cause of tension between West and East.
The capitalist Berlin was in the middle of communist East Germany.
There had already been one crisis over Berlin (the Berlin Blockade in
1948-1949).
The Russians found it difficult to accept this outpost of capitalism in
communist territory.
During 1959-1961 Khruschev made several demands that the Western
powers leave Berlin. They refused.
In August 1961, East German soldiers put-up a barbed-wire barrier
dividing East and West.

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THE BERLIN WALL
The barbed-wire barrier was soon replaced by a wall – the Berlin Wall.
Nobody was allowed to move between East and West Berlin.
This meant that families were suddenly divided.
It even stopped some people going to their place of work.
East German soldiers guarded the wall and shot anywone who tried to
cross to West Berlin.
This meant that families were divided.
It even stopped some people going to their place of work.
East German soldiers guarded the wall and shot anyone who tried to
cross to West Berlin.

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REASONS WHY THE RUSSIANS BUILT THE WALL
They regarded West Berlin as a “listening post” for America right in the
middle of communist territory.
Living standards in West Berlin were much higher than in East Berlin.
While East Berliners could travel to West Berlin they could see how
people were better off under capitalism.
Many of the most educated and highly skilled people in East Berlin
were defecting to West Berlin.
The East could not afford to lose these people, such as scientists,
teachers and engineers.

5. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – USA CONTAINING COMMUNISM – MR. D
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REASONS WHY THE RUSSIANS BUILT THE WALL
Berlin remained a source of tension between East and West.
In 1963 Kennedy showed his support for the people of West Berlin by
visiting the city and making his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am from
Berlin) speech.

6. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – USA CONTAINING COMMUNISM – MR. D
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HOMEWORK 779
1. Why were East Berliners moving into West Berlin?
2. Give three reasons why Khruschev wanted the Western powers out
of Berlin.

7. CAMBRIDGE IGCSE – USA CONTAINING COMMUNISM – MR. D
More lessons on the YouTube channel - MR D HISTORY
HOMEWORK 779 - answers
1. Why were East Berliners moving into West Berlin?
High standard of living, more freedom.
2. Give three reasons why Khruschev wanted the Western powers out
of Berlin.
It was a listening post for the West in the middle of communist
territory. It showed people in communist Europe that life was better in
the West. Skilled people were leaving the East through West Berlin.