The Berlin Wall, constructed in 1961, was a physical barrier built by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to separate West Berlin from the surrounding East Germany and East Berlin. Its main purpose was to prevent the mass migration of East Germans to West Germany and West Berlin, which was seen as a threat to the East German government's control. The wall was not just a simple structure, but a complex system featuring various elements such as concrete walls, watchtowers, barbed wire, and heavily guarded checkpoints.

The construction of the Berlin Wall had a significant impact on the city of Berlin and the world. It symbolized the division of not only a city but also the ideological divide between the capitalist West and communist East during the Cold War. Families were torn apart, and many were unable to visit or escape to the other side. This physical embodiment of separation stood as a reminder of the tensions between the East and West and the larger global conflict of the Cold War.

The construction of the Berlin Wall was a highly controversial and political act. The Western powers, including the United States, condemned the wall as a violation of human rights and a restriction of freedom. However, the Soviet Union and its allies saw it as a necessary measure for maintaining control and stability in East Germany. The construction was met with protests and resistance from the people affected, but ultimately, the wall stood as a formidable barrier for almost three decades.