Exploring the historical context of the Cold War, this book delves into Berlin's evolution into a powerful symbol of ideological conflict. It examines the political dynamics and events that shaped the city’s significance, highlighting key moments and figures that contributed to its status. Through detailed analysis, the narrative reveals how Berlin became a focal point for East-West tensions, showcasing its impact on global politics and culture during this tumultuous period.
This book explains how and why Berlin became the symbolic capital of the Cold War. Paul Steege anchors his account of this emerging global conflict in the terrain of a city literally shattered by World War II. By focusing on what happened 'on the ground' in Berlin, the book shows how ordinary people mattered for the development of a global Cold War that dominated world affairs for four decades and offers an interpretive framework with which to reevaluate international conflict in the present.