Why did the Soviet union want to prevent a united west Berlin

Answer 1

The Soviet Union wanted to prevent a united West Berlin because it was seen as a symbol of Western democracy and capitalism, which was the antithesis of communism. By keeping Berlin divided, the Soviet Union could maintain its control and influence over East Germany and prevent any potential spread of Western ideology into their sphere of influence. Additionally, the Soviet Union was also concerned with security and feared that a united West Berlin could be used as a staging ground for military attacks against them.