Hitler committed suicide in 1945, quickly ending any resistance against the Allied Powers in World War II. The Axis powers soon surrendered and negotiations over the fate of Europe began. Germany took the blame for most of the wartime tragedy, but despite their differing agendas, the Allied powers were reluctant to act harshly against the Germans. They feared a retaliatory uprising like the Third Reich regime that had begun work on World War II. With this in mind, Britain, France, the United States and Soviet Russia began the process of rebuilding Germany (www.history.com). After much discussion, the country was divided into four sectors between the major Allied powers, as well as the capital Berlin. World War II may have come to an end, but the political remnants of the war still lingered. Ultimately the Soviet agenda, leaning towards communism, clashed with the ideals of Western countries for the German sectors. This placed a political barrier around the Russian sector of Germany and in particular in Berlin, paving the way for separation between the sectors. Berlin became a battleground for power, and the effects of this inevitable separation would divide Germany for decades to come. This article will discuss why the Berlin Wall was built, the events leading to its destruction, and its significance in post-World War II Europe. The Allied forces wanted to keep an eye on post-war Germany, preventing another outbreak of fighting. The three western sectors were under the control of the United States, Great Britain and France, while the eastern sector was under Russian regulation. Russia was intent on maintaining communist influence in East Germany, which other powers did not appreciate (“Germany”). Especia...... middle of document ......ca, Inc., 2012. Web. 7 May 2012..“Berlin”. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online school edition. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2012. Web. May 7, 2012..“Berlin Blockade and Airlift.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online school edition. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2012. Web. 7 May 2012..“Berlin”. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online school edition. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2012. Web. May 7, 2012..Schmemann, Serge. “One fateful day and the East tasted freedom.” The New York Times. The New York Times, November 9, 2009. Web. May 7 2012. .