The Other Side of the Berlin Wall

[marmar]

from Consortium News:



The Other Side of the Berlin Wall
July 28, 2011

The Berlin Wall became the iconic symbol of the Cold War, supposedly proving the superiority of capitalism over communism. However, there is another, little understood side to the story regarding why the wall was erected a half century ago, writes historian William Blum.

By William Blum


The Western media will soon be revving up their propaganda motors to solemnize the 50th anniversary of the erecting of the Berlin Wall, August 13, 1961.

All the Cold War clichés about The Free World vs. Communist Tyranny will be trotted out and the simple tale of how the wall came to be will be repeated: In 1961, the East Berlin communists built a wall to keep their oppressed citizens from escaping to West Berlin and freedom.

......(snip)......

First, the West was bedeviling the East with a vigorous campaign of recruiting East German professionals and skilled workers, who had been educated at the expense of the Communist government. This eventually led to a serious labor and production crisis in the East.

......(snip)......

Second, during the 1950s, American cold warriors in West Germany instituted a crude campaign of sabotage and subversion against East Germany designed to throw that country’s economic and administrative machinery out of gear. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://consortiumnews.com/2011/07/28/the-other-side-of-the-berlin-wall/

[swilton]

1. K&R

From the article -

"In 1999, USA Today reported: “When the Berlin Wall crumbled <1989>, East Germans imagined a life of freedom where consumer goods were abundant and hardships would fade. Ten years later, a remarkable 51% say they were happier with communism.” "

I don't know if his book mentions this or not but prior to the end of WWII and thereafter the West was also sourcing German Nazi sympathizers for its missile programs.