The Berlin Wall
courtesy of PBS
“The Wall – A World Divided” (PBS)

This month PBS presents a new documentary about the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall. The show is titled “The Wall – A World Divided” and it gives the background of the creation of the wall, the operation of the wall, and the events that led to the fall of the wall.

The one hour documentary is narrated by esteemed actor Joe Morton and begins with the end of World War II. Germany is divided between the east and the west as is Berlin, which is located within the eastern sector of the country. It is a little democratic island in the sea of socialism. Russia primarily controls the east, while the United States, France and Great Britain share the control of the west.

The split of the country and the city leads to restrictions on travel between the two areas of Berlin. There is no physical wall but there is a mental one. Then eventually the wall is erected. The show documents several instances of people who made a race across the divide hoping to find sanctuary in the west. Some of these people are interviewed and tell their stories.

We also get a look at all the political ramifications that were operating at the time of the wall, which was from 1961 till the fall of 1989. These twenty-eight years contained shifts in the leadership in Russia and the United States. There was a lot more political maneuvering than just President Reagan saying, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!”

There is a lot of history on display in this well made documentary. You see the power of the people in full force. As such it is an inspiring film as well as an educational one. Students of history will want to digest and discuss all that is offered.

PBS is to be commended for offering such a wide ranging look at the history of this time and this “wall.” This is recent history and an important time for all generations – those that were and those which have followed.

“The Wall – A World Divided” premieres on PBS, Monday, June 28 at 10PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

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