(MCQ) The rise and fall of the Berlin Wall - Konrad H. Jarausc

1. When did the construction of the Berlin Wall begin?

• A) 1945

• B) 1961

• C) 1989

• D) 1990

Answer explanation

Key: In the early hours of August 13, 1961, East German construction workers flanked by soldiers and police began tearing up streets and erecting barriers throughout the city of Berlin and its surroundings. (0:07 - 0:20)

Explanation: The Berlin Wall began construction on August 13, 1961, as stated in the transcript.

2. Which countries divided Germany after World War II?

• A) China, Russia, and France

• B) America, Britain, and France

• C) Italy, Spain, and the Soviet Union

• D) Japan, Germany, and France

Answer explanation

Key:
America, Britain, and France joined forces with the Soviet Union against the Axis Powers. After they defeated Nazi Germany, each of the victorious nations occupied part of the country. (0:47 - 0:52)

Explanation: The victorious nations, America, Britain, and France, along with the Soviet Union, divided Germany into sections after World War II.

3. What was the term used to describe the border separating Eastern and Western Europe?

• A) Iron Curtain

• B) Berlin Wall

• C) The Borderline

• D) The Great Divide

Answer explanation

Key:

The Soviet satellite countries restricted Western trade and movement, so a virtually impassable border formed. It became known as the Iron Curtain. In the former German capital of Berlin, things were particularly complicated. (1:23 - 1:29)

Explanation: The "Iron Curtain" is the term used to describe the division between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War.

4. What was the role of the Stasi in East Germany?

• A) They helped promote free speech

• B) They organized protests against the Berlin Wall

• C) They monitored citizens for signs of disloyalty

• D) They assisted East Germans in crossing to the West

Answer explanation

Key:

Life in East Germany passed under the watchful eye of the Stasi, the secret police whose wiretaps and informants monitored citizens for any hint of disloyalty. (2:27 - 2:35)

Explanation: The Stasi was the secret police in East Germany, responsible for spying on citizens and ensuring there was no opposition to the communist regime.

5. What was the purpose of the Berlin Wall?

• A) To encourage tourism between East and West Berlin

• B) To prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Germany

• C) To divide Germany into two countries

• D) To protect East Germany from foreign invasion

Answer explanation

Key:

By 1961, about 3.5 million people, nearly 20% of the East German population, had left, including many young professionals. To prevent further losses, East Germany decided to close the border, and that's where the Berlin Wall came in. (2:56 - 3:02)

Explanation: The Berlin Wall was built to stop East Germans from fleeing to the West.

6. What did the Berlin Wall consist of when it was first built?

• A) Concrete and barbed wire

• B) Wooden walls

• C) Glass barriers

• D) Barbed wire and mesh fencing

Answer explanation

Key:
Extending for 43 kilometers through Berlin, and a further 112 through East Germany, the initial barrier consisted of barbed wire and mesh fencing. Some Berliners escaped by jumping over the wire or leaving from windows. (3:05 - 3:14)

Explanation: The initial Berlin Wall consisted of barbed wire and mesh fencing.

7. What was added to the Berlin Wall by 1965?

• A) 106 kilometers of concrete barricades

• B) Guard dogs

• C) A large memorial

• D) Art and graffiti

Answer explanation

Key:
By 1965, 106 kilometers of 3.6-meter-high concrete barricades had been added, topped with a smooth pipe to prevent climbing. (3:20 - 3:27)

Explanation: By 1965, the Berlin Wall was reinforced with 106 kilometers of concrete barricades to make it harder to escape.

8. What happened on November 9, 1989?

• A) The Soviet Union fell

• B) The Berlin Wall was demolished

• C) The first East German citizens were allowed to travel to the West

• D) East Germany won the Cold War

Answer explanation

Key:

On the evening of November 9, 1989, East Germany tried to defuse tension by making travel permits easier to obtain. But the announcement brought thousands of East Berliners to the border crossing points in the wall, forcing the surprised guards to open the gates immediately. (5:08 - 5:20)

Explanation: On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall was effectively opened, allowing people from both sides to cross freely.

9. How many people died attempting to escape over the Berlin Wall?

• A) 50

• B) 100

• C) 138

• D) 500

Answer explanation

Key:
Yet the risk was great. Over 138 people died while attempting escape, some shot in full view of West Germans powerless to help them. (3:46 - 3:53)

Explanation: Over 138 people died while trying to escape from East Germany through the Berlin Wall.

10. What happened in October 1990?

• A) The Berlin Wall was reconstructed

• B) Germany was reunified

• C) The Soviet Union took control of East Germany

• D) West Germany became independent

Answer explanation

Key:

After four decades, Germany was officially reunified in October 1990. And the Soviet Union fell soon after. (5:52 - 6:01)

Explanation: Germany was reunified in October 1990, marking the end of the division between East and West Germany.