Berlin Wall History and Impact

Why did the East German government build the Berlin Wall?

• To allow people to travel freely between East and West Berlin.

• To stop people from leaving East Germany and prevent Western influence.

• To create a new tourist attraction in Berlin.

• To separate East and West Berlin for a sports competition.

After World War II, which countries divided Germany into four parts?

• Germany, Italy, Japan, and France

• United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union

• China, Russia, Germany, and the United States

• Canada, Mexico, United States, and Great Britain

What was the Berlin Airlift?

• A plan to build a new airport in Berlin.

• A way for the Soviet Union to send supplies to East Berlin.

• When the United States and its allies dropped food and fuel into West Berlin.

• A military exercise held in Berlin.

What problem did East Germany face when many skilled workers like doctors and teachers moved to West Germany?

• A shortage of housing.

• A "brain drain" where many talented people left.

• Too many cars on the roads.

• An increase in tourism.

When did the East German government begin building the Berlin Wall?

• November 9, 1989

• August 12-13, 1961

• June 26, 1963

• October 3, 1990

Which group of people was generally not allowed to cross the border from East to West Berlin after the wall was built?

• West Berliners

• Foreigners

• East Germans

• Military personnel

What happened at Checkpoint Charlie in October 1961?

• A large celebration with music and dancing.

• A peaceful exchange of goods between East and West.

• A tense standoff between American and Soviet tanks.

• The opening of a new border crossing.

What was one way people tried to escape from East Berlin?

• By buying a train ticket.

• By walking through the main gates.

• By flying in a hot air balloon.

• By asking the guards for permission.

Which US President famously challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall"?

• John F. Kennedy

• Ronald Reagan

• Richard Nixon

• Jimmy Carter

When did the East German government announce that its citizens could travel freely to West Germany and West Berlin?

• October 3, 1990

• August 13, 1961

• June 26, 1963

• November 9, 1989