Iron Curtain Collection

35th President of the United States. Making his memorable I am a Berliner, or Ich bin ein Berliner
JOHN F. KENNEDY (1917-1963). 35th President of the United States. Making his memorable I am a Berliner, or Ich bin ein Berliner, address during a visit to West Berlin, 26 June 1963

How to Close the Gap?: American cartoon, 1948, by D. R. Fitzpatrick on the Russian attempt to drive the Western powers
CARTOON: COLD WAR BERLIN. How to Close the Gap?: American cartoon, 1948, by D.R. Fitzpatrick on the Russian attempt to drive the Western powers from Berlin by every possible means short of an

The New Imperialism. American cartoon, 1951, by D. R. Fitzpatrick on the growing empire of Joseph Stalins Soviet Union
RUSSIA: IMPERIALISM, 1951. The New Imperialism. American cartoon, 1951, by D.R. Fitzpatrick on the growing empire of Joseph Stalins Soviet Union

Deep Freeze. Creator: Summers, William H. (1897-1951)
Deep Freeze. Private Collection

Czechoslovakian - Soviet friendship day, 1951 (colour litho)
821497 Czechoslovakian - Soviet friendship day, 1951 (colour litho) by Czech School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Czechoslovakian - Soviet friendship day, Tovacov)

Barbed wire in front of the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany, during the Allied occupation of the city after World War
6029814 Barbed wire in front of the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany, during the Allied occupation of the city after World War II (b/w photo) by German Photographer (20th Century)

East German citizens queuing to obtain permits to visit relatives in the West (b / w photo)
6029800 East German citizens queuing to obtain permits to visit relatives in the West (b/w photo) by German Photographer (20th Century); Private Collection; (add.info)

BERLIN AIRLIFT, 1948. Berliners watching the arrival and departure of Allied airlift freighters at Templehof Air Base 3 months after the beginning of the Soviet blockade of Berlin on 1 April 1948

Budapest, Hungary. The river in the evening as night falls

Bucharest, Romania. Electrified railway line with fresh laid ballast stretching into the distance

Map of Germany post World War II

GERMANY: BERLIN, c1961. The Brandenburg Gate with barbed wire in the foreground. Photographed c1961

President John F. Kennedy and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer at Checkpoint Charlie by the Berlin Wall during
JFK IN BERLIN, 1963. President John F. Kennedy and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer at Checkpoint Charlie by the Berlin Wall during Kennedys visit to West Berlin on 26 June 1963

Only section that remains of Iron Curtain in Czech Republic, 350m length of barbed wire fence, Cizov, Podyji National Park, Brnensko Region, Czech Republic, Europe

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"The Iron Curtain: A Symbol of Division and Resilience" The term "Iron Curtain" has become synonymous with the ideological and physical divide that separated Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War. This caption explores various aspects related to this historical phenomenon, shedding light on its significance. One pivotal moment in history was when John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, delivered his iconic speech in West Berlin on June 26, 1963. With his memorable words "Ich bin ein Berliner, " he expressed solidarity with the people living behind the Iron Curtain, emphasizing their shared values and determination against oppression. However, Kennedy's use of the indefinite article "ein" led to a misconception that he had referred to himself as a jelly doughnut known as "Berliner. " Despite this linguistic blunder, his message resonated deeply among those struggling for freedom. The cartoon by D. R. Fitzpatrick from 1948 titled "How to Close the Gap?" depicts Russia's attempts to remove Western powers from Berlin without resorting to outright war. It highlights both sides' efforts during this tense period. Another artwork by William H. Summers called "Deep Freeze" captures the chilling atmosphere of fear and suspicion prevalent during these times. The image serves as a reminder of how tensions between East and West were perpetuated through propaganda campaigns. In contrast, a colorful lithograph commemorating Czechoslovakian-Soviet Friendship Day in 1951 portrays an attempt at fostering camaraderie amidst political divisions—a glimmer of hope amid adversity. Photographs depicting barbed wire in front of Brandenburg Gate after World War II symbolize Allied occupation while underscoring restrictions imposed upon citizens within divided Germany—an enduring image etched into history books forever. Similarly poignant is another black-and-white photo showing East German citizens queuing for permits to visit relatives in West Germany—illustrating not only physical separation but also emotional strain endured by families torn apart. D. R.