On This Day: The Berlin Wall Came Down

1989 marked the dawn of a new era.

Between the 12th and 13th of August, 1961, East German troops and police created a barrier that divided East and West Germany. First built of barbed wire, barricades, and a strong authoritarian presence, the Berlin Wall’s early days were a far cry from the concrete structure that would eventually arise. 

It was on the 9th of November, 1989, 37 years ago, that the Berlin Wall was eventually brought down. It marked the end of a dark period and a time of diplomatic unity. While much has been said about the politics and history of the Berlin Wall, far less has been discussed about its physical construction and destruction. 

The Construction Of The Berlin Wall

Over several years after 12 August 1961, efforts were made to strengthen the barricades that had been put up. Simple wire was replaced with concrete blocks, watchtowers, and guard dogs. In total, the wall ran for 96 miles and cost roughly 16,155,000 East German Marks. Today, that translates to around €8.2 million. 

Around 40,000 police officers, soldiers, and militia workers built the Berlin Wall, with steel, concrete slabs and concrete blocks all required for its construction. Famously, the top of the wall was finished with an asbestos cement pipe, which was later replaced with further concrete. It was a formidable structure and one that still survives in some parts. 

The Destruction Of The Berlin Wall 

The Berlin Wall was broken down in stages. First came the civil unrest. When citizens were told, in 1989, that they were able to travel to West Germany immediately, there was a mass rush, overwhelming the border. 

Following this, there was a multi-stage demolition that occurred, with citizens actually chipping away at the barriers with their hands, chisels, and hammers. 175 trucks, 65 cranes, 55 excavators, and 13 bulldozers were eventually deployed by the military to put an end to the wall once and for all. It was in 1994 that the barricades were officially removed, with 1.7 million tonnes of concrete produced from the rubble. 

It’s estimated that the destruction and rebuild cost around €2 trillion! While it was around 40,000 who put up the wall, it’s almost impossible to tell just how many contributed to tearing it down, but we do know it’s in the millions!