Berlin Wall Border Crossings for the Holidays

West Berliners eagerly await the opening of the Berlin Wall during the holiday season, a rare opportunity to visit relatives in East Berlin. This event, while significant, involves fees and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the communist authorities. Despite these challenges, many West Berliners seize the chance to reconnect with family members they seldom see.

What is the significance of the Berlin Wall opening during the holiday season for West Berliners?

• It is a time to protest against the communist authorities.

• It is a chance to celebrate with East Berliners.

• It provides an opportunity to visit relatives in East Berlin.

• It allows them to shop in East Berlin.

Who are among those making the journey to East Berlin during the holiday season?

• Students on a field trip

• Tourists from other countries

• Babies who have never met their relatives

• Businessmen looking for opportunities

What is one reason the communist authorities open the border during Christmas?

• To celebrate the holiday season

• To collect fees for permits

• To allow trade between East and West Berlin

• To promote tourism

What do some West Berliners do to reduce the bureaucracy involved in crossing the border?

• They wait for a less busy time.

• They use fake documents.

• They pay extra fees to cut through red tape.

• They avoid crossing altogether.

Why do some West Berliners hesitate to pay the fees required to cross the border?

• They are unaware of the border opening.

• They believe the fees are too high.

• They have no relatives in East Berlin.

• They see it as a rare chance to visit loved ones.