Point Alpha

Point Alpha in Thuringia side. On border sign 22 December 1989 the border opened. Zones had nothing growing now it's farmland. 3 zone system, mines laid, fences along the 1,000 mile border.
Life was hell because if the division. Families torn apart and if they couldn't keep their mouths shut they were removed and sent elsewhere. At the peace sign is the American Museum where you can view the border.
Religion in Geisa maintained bishops status during the division. Bonneface history dating back to monastery in 817. The town also has its own brewery.
In all of Germany 11,000 people were forced to leave their homes. The farms were divided in half along the border and people abandoned the farms because the barn was on one side and land on the other.
The hammer and sickle symbolized the ideology of the Russians it resembles the Masonic symbol .
ideas for escape: they used foot loops attached to the fence. They launched small gliders and planes over the fence. They would also position cars alongside the fence and jump over.
40's the border fence was rudimentary wood barrier
50's barbed wire with wood and smaller. No one was still getting shot and they were free to go through
60's same height but concrete post and wire with double rows and towers. People understood there was an order to shoot if u crossed. Although its not written. Families divided. Living in East became more difficult.
70's fence much higher and concrete barrier with towers. Mine fields removed and the electric guns mounted in fence . There was a signal electric in fence activated when touched.
80's tower was constructed. Birkenkreuz a man tried to escape and put in prison. He unsuccessful but hurt badly. He tried to escape Christmas eve in the 80's.
The sandman appeared in GDR tv it was a way to moderate tv and ensure propaganda distribution. Teachers would ask children if sandman had a beard when they watched tv. If kids said know. Teacher would report parents to gov. Officials. Propaganda was there and people adapted to it. They knew it wasn't truth but some believed it. Their environment influenced them to stay quiet and put up with it. She didn't even realize that there were American soldiers in other side of fence. Everyone was suspicious and not courageous to challenge the authority . They were taught to believe Americans were Imperialistic empire especially during Vietnam war. They were critical of Americans.