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In autumn of 1958, Soviet party and state leader Nikita Khrushchev triggered the Second Berlin Crisis with an ultimatum to the Western Allies.¹³ If the Allies did not comply with these orders within six months, he would carry out his planned measures within the GDR and grant it its own statehood. Khrushchev wanted to use Berlin’s vulnerability as leverage for his political goals and to cement recognition of the situation in Europe created by World War II. Furthermore, he wanted to prevent nuclear disarmament and reduce the West German military.

His suggestion to make Berlin a “free city”, aimed to get rid of the four-power-status and left the West fearing that the Soviets did actually intend to integrate West Berlin into their zone.

With this solution intending to weaken the West¹⁴, Khrushchev also wanted to close the loophole around Berlin and gain control of the refugee problem. The Soviets were no longer striving for reunification. However, the western Allies were not prepared to give up their rights and rejected his demands. This advance from the Soviets caused more unrest amongst the people and, in turn, led to a renewed wave of refugees. Many GDR citizens feared that the escape route through Berlin would be lost forever.