As previously stated by George Orwell, war is peace. So when Walter Ulbricht, the Leader of the German Socialist Unity Party, on June 15, 1961 said: “No one has the intention of building the wall!”, it took only about two months for the construction to begin. The rundown state of the Eastern part was forcing people to flee in the search of better lives in the West of Germany: in the first six months of the year 1961, about 150 000 people left their houses. However, more stayed — and so the Wall did not only separate the city — it cut families in halves.
On the morning of August 13, 1961 the Berlinians woke up to the first layer of bricks being erected.
Prior to the construction of the Wall, posters fake promises were all over the city
During the first months, this way grandparents got to see their grandkids.
One had to use props to wave to friends on the other side.
The first anniversary of the Wall, 1962: the woman on the roof waving to her mother.
The use of binoculars was helpful during the first few months after the erection.
The other side was watching, as well.
As the time went, the barb wire and bricks were introduced to keep people away. The bride under the windows of her grandparents. The bouquet was lowered on a string.
This bride only got to see her relatives via binoculars.
Many were prepared to leave their lives behind and just flee for the better.
The Eastern authorities trying to stop the Western photographers by sending light into the cameras by mirrors.
Those who got caught fleeing were shot on the spot.
Gunter Liftin was shot on August 24, 1961 — before the construction was even complete.
In February 1975 this brave fellow was caught by the patrol guards, trying to cross the mined field.
Another unsuccessful attempt: wounded in the field.
In 1975 John Runnings from Canada tried to destroy the Wall with a hammer but was severely wounded by the machine-gunned guards.
Within hours after the fall. The happiest of faces.
Images are courtesy livejournal user drugoi.