The lockdown

The history of Brandenburg in the 19th and 20th centuries was always connected to the development of the major city of Berlin. After the end of World War II, however, the Cold War and the division of Germany ensured that the western part of the city was separated from its Brandenburg surroundings for almost 45 years and then hermetically sealed off. During this time, the SED regime made every effort to establish an insurmountable, deadly border on the eastern side that prevented people from leaving the GDR. A control and surveillance system was installed with great effort, which significantly changed the affected border regions and their inhabitants. This volume addresses how this border regime to West Berlin emerged and what profound effects it had on people and the environment. Based on extensive sources and with many local references, the author reconstructs stages of development, infrastructures, information systems, and daily life at the border, as well as escape movements and the collaboration of the military, police, and civilian institutions for border security. More than 40 illustrations complement the volume.