Students explore Germany’s deadly Cold War border at Point Alpha
Students from the Hessian University of Public Management and Security (HöMS) recently visited the Point Alpha Memorial to gain insights into the former inner-German border. The trip, part of a cooperation agreement, revealed the extensive and tightly controlled nature of the border system, which was designed to prevent escapes.
The border system, active from 1961 to 1989, was a formidable barrier between East and West Germany. It included a 10-meter-wide control strip, a 500-meter protective strip, and a 5-kilometer exclusion zone. This zone was equipped with landmines, automatic firing devices, and alarm systems. Around 30,000 border soldiers and 3,000 voluntary helpers were required for its construction and maintenance, making it a costly endeavor.
Guards were authorized to shoot at 'republic fugitives' or 'border violators' attempting to escape. Despite this, around 800 people lost their lives in escape attempts or as a result of injuries sustained during them. The students learned that communication between East German border troops and West German border guards was minimal due to fear of repercussions.
The HöMS students' visit to Point Alpha provided a stark reminder of the former inner-German border's severity and the human cost of the division. The extensive border system, with its deadly measures, serves as a chilling reminder of the past, educating future generations about the importance of freedom and unity.
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