What was the purpose of the Berlin Wall when it was constructed?

The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 primarily aimed to separate East and West Berlin and to prevent the mass exodus of East Germans to the West. After World War II, Germany was divided into East and West, with East Germany under Soviet influence and West Germany aligning with Western democracies. The stark contrast between the two sides led to a significant flow of citizens from East to West in search of better living conditions, political freedom, and economic opportunities.

By erecting the Berlin Wall, the East German government sought to stem this tide of migration and maintain its control over the population. The wall effectively became a physical and ideological barrier that represented the broader divide of the Cold War, limiting movement and restricting the ability of East Germans to seek asylum in the West. This action was critical in solidifying the division between communist and democratic societies during a turbulent period in history.