* East Berlin: Communist, one-party state, People's Republic of Germany (GDR).
* West Berlin: Parliamentary democracy, three-power separation, German Federal Republic (FRG).
Economic System:
* East Berlin: Command economy with central planning, socialist principles, and state-owned enterprises.
* West Berlin: Social market economy with free-market principles, private ownership, and minimal state intervention.
Currency:
* East Berlin: East German mark (Mark der DDR), pegged to the Soviet ruble.
* West Berlin: West German deutsche mark (Deutsche Mark), a strong and convertible currency.
Travel Restrictions:
* East Berlin: Strict border controls, limited freedom of movement, the Berlin Wall divided the city.
* West Berlin: Free movement, easy access to West Germany and other Western countries.
Living Standards:
* East Berlin: Modest living standards, shortages of consumer goods, rationing, limited housing choices.
* West Berlin: High living standards, consumer abundance, modern amenities, spacious apartments.
Political Repression:
* East Berlin: Suppression of dissent, limited civil liberties, Stasi secret police surveillance, political prisoners.
* West Berlin: Freedom of expression, political pluralism, democratic elections, respect for human rights.
Military Presence:
* East Berlin: Soviet troops stationed in East Germany, including East Berlin, as part of the Warsaw Pact.
* West Berlin: Western Allies (US, France, UK) maintained military presence in West Berlin, symbolizing their commitment to protecting the city.
Education:
* East Berlin: Marxist-Leninist education, political indoctrination, emphasis on science and technology.
* West Berlin: Pluralistic education system, diversity of opinions and perspectives, focus on critical thinking.
Cultural Activities:
* East Berlin: Censorship of art and literature, limited cultural freedom, promotion of socialist realism.
* West Berlin: Flourishing cultural scene, diverse art exhibitions, vibrant music and theater, international film festivals.