FANTASTIC, WIDELY UNKNOWN, VERY SCARCE GERMAN VINTAGE PHOTO PUBLICATION FROM THE SIXTIES - a souvenir booklet for visitors of the Berlin Wall in 1968 in 3 languages: German, English and French. It shows many photographs and demonstrations on how people escaped East Berlin at that time. It was published on the occasion of the exhitbitions "Es geschah an der Berliner Mauer ("It happened at the Berlin Wall"), "Die Freiheit darf nicht enden" ("Freedom must not end") and "Eine Mauer durch Berlin" ("A wall through Berlin") by the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft 13. August". It is a West German publication, concerning the GDR/DDR theme. The construction of the Berlin Wall was a central event in the Cold War and a symbol of the division of Germany (Federal Republic of Germany/FRG in the west, German Democratic Republic/GDR in the east) and of the division of Europe. HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE FRONT COVER. GREAT PHOTOS INSIDE. EXCELLENT CONDITION. In this wonderful fresh condition extremely hard to find. THIS IS THE VERY FIRST PHOTOBOOK AUCTION ON CATAWIKI - dedicated entirely to the world of the former "DDR"/"GDR" ("GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC" or "EAST GERMANY") which existed from 1949 to 1990. Still largely undiscovered and unexplored, this field offers a wealth of fascinating discoveries for collectors. 5Uhr30.com presents exceptional works by renowned and emerging artists, survey works, compelling monographs, as well as extraordinarily rare small vintage catalogues, vintage children’s books and vintage factory photobooks; signed publications, posters, and much more. Background After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones: the Soviet zone in the east and the American, British, and French zones in the west. In 1949, these zones became two German states: Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in the west German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the east Berlin, despite being divided, was entirely located within the GDR. Already in the early 1950s, people were fleeing from the GDR to the West due to worse living conditions and restricted political freedoms. The number of refugees initially decreased in the 1950s but rose sharply again at the end of the decade. Between 1949 and 1961, over 2.5 million people fled the GDR, many of them highly skilled professionals. Construction of the Wall: Date: August 13, 1961 Initiative: GDR leadership under Walter Ulbricht, with Soviet approval Goal: To stop the emigration from the GDR and control the population Implementation: Initially, barbed wire fences were erected Later, a massive concrete wall, up to 3.6 meters high, was built Streets and areas in West Berlin were secured with border zones, watchtowers, minefields, and patrols Consequences: Separation of families and friends: Many people could no longer visit relatives in West Berlin or West Germany Symbol of division: The Wall became an international symbol of the Cold War and oppression in the GDR Escape attempts: Despite high security, many people tried to cross the Wall; over 100 people died in the process Fall of the Wall: Date: November 9, 1989 Triggered by political reforms in the GDR, mass protests, and pressure from the population Shortly afterward, demolition began, and the Berlin Wall became a symbol of German reunification, which was completed on October 3, 1990 Arbeitsgemeinschaft 13. August (Self-published), Berlin. 1968. First edition, first printing. Softcover (as issued). 205 x 280 mm. 20 pages. Black and white photographs. Text in German. Condition: Inside and outside excellent, fresh and flawless; clean with no marks and with no foxing. Very light trace of use. Overall very fine, much better than usual condition. Great photo publication - in wonderful fresh condition. Like always we guarantee detailed and accurate descriptions, 100% transport protection, 100% transport insurance, and of course, combined shipping - worldwide. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T MISS THIS UNIQUE AUCTION. Brought to you exclusively by 5Uhr30.com, Cologne, Germany.