How a 1961 USIA film portrayed divided Berlin

A ruined church left in the center of the modern city.

Amid newly reconstructed commercial boulevards, a ruined church was intentionally preserved as a permanent memorial to the wartime destruction caused by tyranny.

Why Berlin Kept a Ruined Church in Its City Center

When American and Soviet troops celebrated together in 1945.

Historic archival film captures the historic link-up at the Elbe River, liberated prisoners cheering, and global celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany.

When Soviet and American Soldiers Celebrated Victory Together

This 1961 USIA film describes Allied agreements, occupation boundaries and the position of West Berlin within the Soviet zone.

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How Allied Agreements Divided Postwar Berlin

The Postwar Map Mistake That Trapped West Berlin

The USIA production contrasts East and West Berlin using the perspective and rhetoric of a U.S. government Cold War film.

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How a 1961 USIA Film Portrayed East and West Berlin

The Chilling Contrast Across the Brandenburg Gate

The 1948 Soviet blockade and the birth of the Berlin Airlift.

In June 1948, the Soviet Union blocked all roads, canals, and rails into West Berlin, sparking the famous allied airlift operation.

When Stalin Cut Off Electricity and Food to West Berlin

Cold War pilots dropped candy parachutes to children

Pilots flying food and fuel into blockaded Berlin attached candy rations to tiny parachutes, bringing joy to children living under siege.

Operation Candy Drop in Besieged Berlin

Unarmed workers rose up against Soviet rule in 1953

East German workers organized mass protests demanding free elections, only to face two Soviet tank divisions sent to ruthlessly crush the uprising.

The 1953 East Berlin Workers Revolt

West Berliners rejected Moscow by a 98% landslide

West Berlin citizens cast their ballots in December 1958, resulting in a 98 percent rejection of Soviet demands to remove Western forces.

When 98% of Berliners Voted Against Moscow

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JFK on What Makes a City Truly Free

A city does not become free merely by calling it a free city.

President John F. Kennedy delivers an address explaining that genuine freedom requires self-determination without political or police coercion.

4,000 refugees fled East Germany every single week

Facing oppressive conditions under Soviet occupation, thousands of East Germans escaped westward every week in search of liberty.

How Millions Voted With Their Feet to Escape East Germany

[01:39] Why Berlin Kept a Ruined Church in Its City Center
[02:08] When Soviet and American Soldiers Celebrated Victory Together
[03:14.000] How Allied Agreements Divided Postwar Berlin
[05:38.400] How a 1961 USIA Film Portrayed East and West Berlin
[07:00] When Stalin Cut Off Electricity and Food to West Berlin
[09:04] Operation Candy Drop in Besieged Berlin
[11:24] The 1953 East Berlin Workers Revolt
[14:26] When 98% of Berliners Voted Against Moscow
[15:23.400] JFK on What Makes a City Truly Free
[15:57] How Millions Voted With Their Feet to Escape East Germany

How a 1961 USIA film portrayed divided Berlin

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