When the Cold War split Berlin in half, between East and West, one neighbourhood was trapped in the middle and became a symbol of Cold War tensions. 

For more than twenty years, the hamlet of Steinstücken was caught in a tug-of-war between the Americans, the Soviets and the East Germans. 

Steinstücken officially belonged to the U.S. Occupation Sector of Berlin. But, it was located outside the city boundaries, completely surrounded by East German territory. No West Berlin-owned roads or trails connected it to the city. It was a de facto Western island in a Communist sea.

We speak with Cold War veteran Don Smith the author of Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom, a photo and fact-packed book which describes the challenges America faced in occupied Berlin and the personal stories of the citizens of Steinstücken who faced East German soldiers on a daily basis.

 Buy the book here and support the podcast

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Don’s web site http://steinpocket.com/

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If you’d like to help to preserve Cold War history and enable me to continue to produce this podcast you can via one-off or monthly donations.

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I am delighted to welcome Don Smith to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information including videos here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode220/

0:00 Introduction and background of Steinstücken

5:21 History and life in Steinstücken during the Cold War

14:03 The unique nature of German farming and how Steinstücken got its name

16:10 East Germany's attempt to annex Steinstücken and America's response

20:47 The political dynamics in Steinstücken during the Cold War

30:25 Impact of the Berlin Wall on Steinstücken

38:17 The refugee situation and U.S. military operations in Steinstücken

45:37 Economic and societal implications in Steinstücken and the 4 power agreement

1:01:15 Post Cold War integration of Steinstücken into West Berlin

1:07:04 Podcast patrons and invitation to join the Facebook group

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