What effect did the Berlin Wall have on U.S.-Soviet relations?

The Berlin Wall became a powerful symbol of the Cold War division between East and West, illustrating the stark ideological and physical separation that characterized international relations during this period. Constructed in 1961, the Wall represented not only the division of Berlin but also the broader confrontation between communist and capitalist ideologies led by the Soviet Union and the United States, respectively. Its presence emphasized the significance of the Iron Curtain and the ongoing struggle for influence around the globe.

As tensions mounted, the Wall came to embody the struggles for freedom and oppression, leading to heightened propaganda efforts from both sides. The Wall's construction deepened the divide and intensified the adversarial stance that defined U.S.-Soviet interactions, making it a lasting symbol of the broader Cold War conflict. This context helps explain why the Berlin Wall is recognized primarily as a representation of the division rather than a facilitator of dialogue or reunification.