On August 13, 1961, East German authorities began building the Berlin Wall, dividing East and West Berlin. Although the construction took place in Germany, the event had major implications for the United States. The wall became a visible symbol of Cold War tension and the division between communist and Western blocs. U.S. leaders denounced the barrier while also taking steps to avoid direct military confrontation in the city. Over the years, American presidents visited Berlin to reaffirm support for West Berliners. The wall’s existence shaped U.S. strategy in Europe until its fall in 1989.
