The Refugee Problem in Berlin
History: KS3, topic 20.1.11
The Refugee Problem in Berlin
The living conditions in West Berlin were better than in East Berlin. This caused many people living in East Berlin to leave. From 1949 to 1961, 2.7 million East Germans entered West Berlin.
East and West Berlin
- The western zone of Berlin gave the USA a foothold inside the Eastern bloc.
- Many East Germans were aware that living conditions were better and wages higher in West Berlin.
- Reaching the West was made easier by the existence of the western zone in Berlin.
Refugees and workers
- From 1949 to 1961, 2.7 million East Germans entered West Berlin.
- The West German economy benefitted from the skilled labourers, while the East suffered a skills shortage.
The Berlin Ultimatum, November 1958
- In November 1958, the USSR issued an ultimatum.
- It stated that all of Berlin belonged to East Germany and that Western troops must withdraw within six months.
Response to the ultimatum
- The ultimatum led to a series of meetings between the leaders of the two powers.
- Initial meetings in 1959 led to no solution.
- By January 1961, a solution had still not been found.
- Neither side wanted to back down and the USSR reissued the ultimatum over Berlin.
Test yourself on The Refugee Problem in Berlin
How many East Germans entered West Berlin from 1949 to 1961?
When did the USSR first issue the Berlin Ultimatum?
In 1960, where were living conditions better?
What did the migration of East Germans to Berlin mean that East Germany had a shortage of?