East Germans, stirred by the crisis, fled to West Berlin in increasing numbers. In July, there were about 30,000 escapees. It has been estimated that between 1949 and 1961, about 2.5 million East Germans fled from East to West. The steady loss of skilled workers, professionals, and intellectuals threatened to destroy the economic viability of the East German state. At midnight, the police and units of the East German army began to close the border and, by Sunday morning, August 13, the border with West Berlin was closed. East German troops and workers began tearing up streets running alongside the border to block most vehicles and to install barbed wire entanglements and fences along the 97 miles around the three western sectors, and the 27 miles that divided West and East Berlin.
The barrier was built slightly inside East Berlin or East German territory to ensure that it did not encroach on West Berlin at any point. Later, it was built up into the Wall proper, the first concrete elements and large blocks being put in place on 17 August. During the construction of the Wall, National People's Army (NVA) and Combat Groups of the Working Class (KdA) soldiers stood in front of it with orders to shoot anyone who attempted to defect. Additionally, chain fences, walls, minefields and other obstacles were installed along the length of East Germany's western border with West Germany proper. A huge no man's land was cleared to provide a clear line of fire at fleeing refugees.
The barrier was built slightly inside East Berlin or East German territory to ensure that it did not encroach on West Berlin at any point. Later, it was built up into the Wall proper, the first concrete elements and large blocks being put in place on 17 August. During the construction of the Wall, National People's Army (NVA) and Combat Groups of the Working Class (KdA) soldiers stood in front of it with orders to shoot anyone who attempted to defect. Additionally, chain fences, walls, minefields and other obstacles were installed along the length of East Germany's western border with West Germany proper. A huge no man's land was cleared to provide a clear line of fire at fleeing refugees.
The Wall split a city, the people, and the world, tearing apart families and friends for decades, and becoming a powerful symbol of the Cold War, representing the deepening divide between East and West, physically, politically, and philosophically.