During the Yalta conference in February 1945, the Allied powers decided to split Germany into four zones after its unconditional surrender. The Soviet Union was to have direct control over most of Eastern Europe and the eastern one-third of Germany.

The Potsdam Conference held between 17 July and 2 August 1945 confirmed the division of Germany and the nature of its occupation by the Allied leaders.

After the end of World War II, Berlin was divided into four sectors - the American, British, French in the West, and the Soviet in the East.

On June 24, 1948, the Soviets block rail and road access to Berlin in an attempt to gain control over the entire city. This action triggers the Berlin Airlift by the Allies to supply the city with essential resources.

The Soviet Union blocked all land and water routes into West Berlin, leading to the Berlin Airlift.

Allied forces initiated the Berlin Airlift to provide supplies to West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.

The Soviet Union lifted the blockade on West Berlin after the success of the Berlin Airlift.

On October 7, 1949, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) is declared in East Berlin, formalizing the separation between East and West Germany that had been established after World War II.

On May 26, 1952, the border between East and West Germany is closed everywhere except in Berlin, where a crossing remains open. This further solidifies the division between the two sides.

The border between East and West Germany and between East Germany and West Berlin is closed, except for the border between East and West Berlin which remains open. This leads to the June 17, 1953 Uprising.

In November 14, 1953, East Berlin building workers protested against the imposition of increased working norms. The protest was met with suppression by Red Army tanks.

On December 11, 1957, the Interzonenpass requirement was waived, allowing easier travel between East and West Germany. However, East German citizens still needed permission to travel to the West.

In August 1958, Yuri Andropov, the CPSU Director on Relations with Communist and Workers' Parties of Socialist Countries, wrote a letter highlighting the significant increase in the number of East German intelligentsia among the refugees. This 'brain drain' of young, well-educated individuals was a cause for concern for East German officials.

By 1960, the emigration of professionals and skilled workers from East Germany had led to a significant loss in the working-age population. The 'brain drain' resulted in economic and manpower losses, prompting East German leaders to address the issue.

On June 15, 1961, Walter Ulbricht, the First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of the GDR, stated that there were no plans to erect a wall between East and West Germany, despite later events proving otherwise.

On July 25, 1961, US President John F Kennedy delivered a speech cautioning the Soviet Union that any attack on Berlin would be considered an assault on NATO. This speech heightened tensions between the two superpowers.

The National Security Agency intercepted information about East Germany's plan to close the intra-Berlin border, leading to the complete division between East and West Berlin. This intercept was a crucial warning that highlighted the escalating tensions in the region.

On August 13, 1961, East Germany initiated the construction of a wall to separate the two sections of Berlin. This was in response to the influx of refugees from East Germany and the eastern section of Berlin into the western section, causing embarrassment for the Soviet and East German governments.

The Berlin Wall was constructed on August 13, 1961, to prevent people from escaping to the West from East Berlin. It later expanded into a complex multi-layered system of barriers.

On August 14, 1961, barriers were built in the Berlin sectorial border between East and West Berlin without proper authorization. This construction further solidified the division between the two parts of the city.

The construction of the Berlin Wall commenced on August 15, 1961, with the placement of concrete blocks to create a more permanent barrier. The first escape attempt to the West occurred when an East German border guard jumped the barbed wire.

By August 16, 1961, a two-meter high concrete wall had replaced the initial barriers, solidifying the division between East and West Berlin. Families and couples were separated as the wall became a permanent fixture.

The first concrete elements and large blocks of the Berlin Wall were put in place on this day. Soldiers were ordered to shoot anyone attempting to defect, and additional obstacles like chain fences, walls, and minefields were installed along the border.

The creation of the Berlin Wall had significant implications for both German states. It allowed the East German government to reassert control by stopping the exodus of people. Despite economic problems, the GDR's economy began to grow. However, the Wall was a public relations disaster for the communist bloc, seen as a symbol of tyranny.

On August 21, 1961, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson left West Berlin in the hands of General Frederick O. Hartel and his brigade. American battalions would rotate into West Berlin at three-month intervals to demonstrate Allied rights to the city.

Ida Siekmann tragically became the first casualty at the Berlin Wall on August 22, 1961, when she died after jumping from her third-floor apartment at 48 Bernauer Strasse. Her death highlighted the harsh reality of the Wall's presence.

Vice President Johnson warns the Soviet Union that their support of the construction of the Berlin Wall will be seen as an aggressive act.

On August 24, 1961, Günter Litfin, a tailor, was the first person shot and killed while attempting to cross to West Berlin. His death occurred on the same day that East German police were ordered to use lethal force to prevent escapes.

On August 26, 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was closed, blocking all crossing points for West Berlin citizens.

18-year-old Peter Fechter is fatally shot by East German border guards while trying to cross the wall. Despite Western media witnessing the incident and attempting to help, he bleeds to death at the wall's base.

U.S. President John F. Kennedy declared support for West Germany and West Berlin in a speech, emphasizing the unity of free men with the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner'. The speech was a significant moment in the Cold War.

In December 17, 1963, John F. Kennedy visited Berlin and delivered his famous speech 'Ich bin ein Berliner,' expressing solidarity with the people of Berlin during the Cold War.

On October 5, 1964, 57 East Berlin citizens successfully escaped to the Western sector through Tunnel 57. This underground passage, dug by a group of students, facilitated a daring and successful mass escape from the oppressive regime.

The film 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' was released in 1965, based on the Cold War tensions surrounding the Berlin Wall. It is an adaptation of John le Carré's novel and provides a glimpse into the espionage activities during that period.

The film 'Casino Royale' was released in 1967 and featured a segment centered on a house divided by the Berlin Wall. It added a unique perspective to the portrayal of the Wall in popular culture.

On September 3, 1971, the Four Power's Agreement over Berlin was reached, allowing Berliner citizens to visit East Berlin for the first time in over two years.

A treaty is signed by both German states to establish normal relations as equal entities, recognizing each other's territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty.

Formal diplomatic relations are established between East and West Germany, marking a significant step towards reconciliation and communication.

In October 1973, East German border guards were instructed to shoot people attempting to cross the Berlin Wall, considering them as criminals. The orders emphasized the use of firearms, even in the presence of women and children.

The film 'Night Crossing' depicted the true story of the Strelzyk and Wetzel families attempting to escape from East Germany to West Germany in a homemade hot air balloon on September 16, 1979. It showcased the risks and challenges faced by those seeking freedom from behind the Berlin Wall.

In 1982, the official law known as the 'GDR border law' was passed in East Germany. This law regulated the use of firearms on the country's western borders, particularly in relation to preventing escapes.

A classic Cold War spy fiction novel by Len Deighton.

A concept album by Camel focusing on families and friends separated by the Berlin Wall.

In 1986, defector and political activist Wolfram Hasch and four other defectors were apprehended by East German personnel while defacing the Berlin Wall. Hasch was arrested and convicted of illegally crossing the border outside the wall.

David Bowie performed a concert close to the Berlin Wall on June 6, 1987, attracting thousands of Eastern concertgoers. The event sparked violent rioting in East Berlin and is considered a precursor to the protests that eventually led to the fall of the Wall in November 1989.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall as a symbol of increasing freedom in the Eastern Bloc. The speech was a call for change and openness.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band held a historic concert in East Berlin on July 19, 1988, advocating for unity and freedom. Springsteen's message of tearing down barriers resonated with the East German youth, contributing to the growing anti-Wall sentiment.

On January 19, 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker declares that the Berlin Wall will stand for another 50 to 100 years if the underlying reasons for its existence are not resolved.

On February 5, 1989, 20-year-old Chris Gueffroy is fatally shot while attempting to cross the border in Berlin, becoming the last person to be killed at the Berlin Wall.

Chris Geuffroy becomes the last person to be killed while attempting to cross the Berlin Wall in an escape to the West, highlighting the risks and consequences faced by those seeking freedom.

Winfried Freudenberg died when his homemade natural gas-filled balloon crashed on March 8, 1989, during an attempt to escape from East to West Germany. His tragic end symbolizes the risks and sacrifices made by individuals seeking freedom from the repressive regime.

On May 2, 1989, Hungarian border guards cut a hole into the Iron Curtain, allowing the border with Austria and the west to open near Hegyeshalom, around 50 kilometers east of Vienna.

On May 7, 1989, local elections in East Germany reveal discrepancies as opposition representatives claim that the number of 'no' votes against the communist rulers does not align with the official results.

Hundreds of East Germans seize the opportunity on August 19, 1989, during the 'Pan-European Picnic' organized by Hungarian opposition members near the Austrian border to escape to the West, marking a significant event leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Communist Hungary removes its border restrictions with Austria, creating a gap in the 'Iron Curtain' as described by Winston Churchill, signaling a shift towards openness and freedom in Europe.

The first of the weekly Monday demonstrations in Leipzig is held to advocate for freedom of assembly and travel.

On September 10, 1989, the Hungarian government opened its border for East German refugees, allowing them to escape to the West.

Hungary allows East Germans to cross its border to Austria, providing an opportunity for tens of thousands to move to the West.

Nearly 6,000 East Germans who sought refuge at the West German embassy in Prague are permitted to depart for the West.

In an attempt to prevent its citizens from leaving the country, East Germany stops allowing visa-free travel to Czechoslovakia.

About 10,000 East German refugees gathered outside the West German embassy in Prague before being allowed to board buses to special trains bound for West Germany.

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev visited East Berlin and was pictured kissing East German leader Erich Honecker, showcasing the close relationship between the two leaders during a crucial time in the history of the Berlin Wall.

On its 40th anniversary, East Germany hosts Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev who urges the country's leadership to implement reforms. Authorities crack down on protesters during the celebrations.

After ruling for 18 years, Erich Honecker is ousted as the leader of East Germany and is replaced by Egon Krenz.

Around 500,000 people gather in East Berlin's central Alexanderplatz for a massive pro-democracy demonstration, marking one of the largest protests in the country's history.

The Berlin Wall fell, marking a historic moment in the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War era.

On November 9, 1989, the East German government announced new regulations allowing refugees to exit directly through crossing points between East Germany and West Germany, including between East and West Berlin. Due to a miscommunication, the announcement led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the opening of the borders.

On November 10, 1989, Berliners from East and West gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall, which had divided the city since the end of World War II.

Demonstrators pulled down a segment of the Berlin Wall at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, allowing East German border guards to be seen through the gap.

On November 17, 1989, Czechoslovakia witnessed a significant event as riot police forcefully suppressed a peaceful student demonstration in Prague, triggering what would be known as the Velvet Revolution.

The leadership of the Czechoslovak Communist Party resigned on November 24, 1989, following days of protests, signifying a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the country.

On December 1, 1989, the East German parliament eliminated the Socialist Unity Party of Germany's (SED) exclusive right to govern, marking a significant shift in the political structure of East Germany.

Austria lifted visa restrictions for Czechoslovakian citizens on December 2, 1989, leading to over 100,000 Czechs taking advantage of the opportunity for short visits to Vienna, showcasing a gesture of solidarity.

On December 3, 1989, Krenz and the East German politburo resigned. Krenz stepped down as the country's leader three days later, with moderate communist Hans Modrow taking charge of East Germany.

On December 22, 1989, a new border crossing opened at the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Germany's Cold War division.

David Hasselhoff headlined a concert attended by over 500,000 people on both sides of the Berlin Wall. He performed his hit song 'Looking for Freedom' on a platform above the Wall.

On March 18, 1990, East Germany held its first democratic election, resulting in center-right candidate Lothar de Maiziere becoming the prime minister.

On October 3, 1990, Germany was reunited after four decades of Cold War division.

A video game titled 'The Berlin Wall' released in 1991, likely depicting events or scenarios related to the historic barrier.

Dedication of the Berlin Wall Monument.

A rock opera featuring a genderqueer protagonist named Hedwig Robinson, who compares themselves to the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the division between East and West, slavery and freedom, and other contrasts.

A novel by John Marks where an American spy defects to East Berlin just before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, there were initiatives to preserve the death strip walkways and redevelop them into a hiking and cycling area, known as Berliner Mauerweg.

A film set during German unification showing the fall of the Berlin Wall through archive footage.

A novel by Marcia Preston (published as Trudy's Promise in North America) portraying a woman in East Berlin waiting for news of her husband who escaped over the Berlin Wall.

A 2009 poll conducted by Russia's VTsIOM found that more than half of all Russians do not know who built the Berlin Wall. Ten percent of people surveyed thought Berlin residents built it themselves. Six percent said Western powers built it and four percent thought it was a 'bilateral initiative' of the Soviet Union and the West. Fifty-eight percent said they did not know who built it, with just 24 percent correctly naming the Soviet Union and its then-communist ally East Germany.

A novel based on a legend from Berlin in the 1970s, exploring the possibility of preventing the construction of the Berlin Wall.

Germany commemorated the 50th anniversary of East Germany starting the construction of the Berlin Wall. Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Christian Wulff, and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit gathered at the Bernauer Straße memorial park to honor the lives lost and emphasize the importance of freedom and democracy.

The music video for the song 'Free' by Liza Fox includes footage of the fall of the Berlin Wall, showcasing the historical event in a contemporary artistic context.

A film featuring a dramatized story of the East-German border guard who allowed East Berliners to cross the border to West Berlin on 9 November 1989.

A film with a subplot about Frederic Pryor, an American student visiting his German girlfriend in East Berlin during the construction of the Berlin Wall, facing challenges from Stasi agents.

A video game by Kremlingames where players can experience leading the GDR and decide the fate of the Berlin Wall, reflecting on the historical and political aspects of the barrier.

On this day in history, the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of East and West Germany.

The Berlin Wall Foundation is a organization dedicated to preserving the history and memory of the Berlin Wall. It operates various sites and museums related to the Wall, such as the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery.