The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and political division in Europe from its construction in 1961 until its fall in 1989. It divided East and West Berlin, representing the broader ideological conflict between capitalist Western nations and communist Eastern blocs. The fall of the wall not only marked the end of communist control in Eastern Europe but also facilitated the reunification of Germany and spurred movements towards democracy across the continent. Its significance lies in its representation of freedom versus oppression, making it a pivotal moment in 20th-century history.