Writing Homework Help

Click on video and answer the following questions. Not too short paragraphs please but they don’t have to be too long.

1.. Describe the origins of what led to the Berlin Wall’s creation. Begin with the original division of Berlin at the end of World War II and trace all the way to the Kennedy and Khrushchev years from 1960-61. What concerns did East Germany (GDR) have about a free West Berlin, especially economic ones and the population flow from east to west? How did the Vienna meeting between Khrushchev and Kennedy in 1961 push Khrushchev to seal the border between East and West Berlin?

2. Once the barbed wire barrier and subsequent cinder and concrete wall sealed the border, describe methods and desperate attempts people in East Berlin attempted to escape into West Berlin. You may review the eyewitness stories or write down what you observe from the archival footage.

3. Describe the United States’ response to the Berlin Wall’s creation. Did the U.S. appear resolved to do something to open the border? Did the U.S. feel it was a situation beyond its power? Did the U.S. feel it would risk too much if it directly confronted the Soviet Union over this? Look at eyewitness testimony from former U.S. officials and describe the U.S. military response to face to face “tank episode” with the Soviets. Was this “tank episode” a hopeful, futile or strong response?