History Today: When construction on the Berlin Wall began in 1961

Today, August 13, is a historic day.

On this day in 1961, soldiers in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) began construction on the Berlin Wall – separating the communists backed by the Soviet Union from the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).

Also on this day in 1997, South Park debuted on Comedy Central. The show by Trey Parker and Matt Stone was rude, crude and unforgettable and changed animation comedy forever.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series,  History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

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Construction of Berlin Wall begins

The East German soldiers began building the wall shortly after midnight on August 13, 1961.

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev had given Walter Ulbrich, the Communist leader of East Germany, the nod to begin the work. East Germany by now was essentially under the thumb of the Soviet Union.

East Germany had already sealed off its main border with West Germany in 1952. This was, as it were, the final brick in the wall. Soldiers worked overnight, putting up over 120 kilometres of barbed wire. Residents woke up to find themselves cut off from friends and loved ones.

The reason behind putting up this wall was to stop the flow of people from East Germany to West Germany. It is estimated that around 1000 people per day were leaving East Germany in search of opportunity in West Germany.

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After the wall went up, just 5,000 people managed to cross over in nearly three decades. At least 100 were killed by East German border guards known as Volkspolizei.

By November 1989, East Germany was in chaos. Its long-time leader Erich Honecker had resigned the previous month. Massive protests were also ongoing and reforms were being demanded. The wall fell after East German border guards gave way in the face of a massive crowd. The iconic images that were captured that day remain instantly recognisable around the world. Eleven months later, Germany was reunified.

South Park debuts

South Park, an animated show unlike any other, debuted on Comedy Central in 1997.

Set in a fictional Colorado mountain town of the same name, the series revolves around four young boys – Eric Cartman, Stanley Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenneth (Kenny) McCormick.

The show, which is known for its low-budget appearance, has revelled in mocking celebrities and sacred cows of American life over the years.

From Tom Cruise to the Royal Family, Prophet Muhammad, Jesus and Santa, no one has been off limits from Parker and Stone. Even those who worked on the show haven’t been safe. Isaac Hayes, who voiced the character of Chef, walked off the show in protest after it targeted Scientology.

The show has recently drawn the ire of President Donald Trump, who in a recent episode was depicted naked in bed with Satan.

“This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. “President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country’s history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump’s hot streak.”

Parker, asked for his response at the San Diego Comic Con International deadpanned, “We’re terribly sorry.” Parker and Stone, incidentally, also created the award-winning Broadway musical the ‘Book of Mormon’.

This Day, That Year

1521:  The Aztec Empire falls after Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés captures Tenochtitlán (Mexico City).

1642: Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens discovers the southern polar cap of Mars.

1792: Marie Antoinette and other royals are imprisoned in France.

1899: Sir Alfred Hitchcock, one of the greatest movie directors of all time, is born.