West Berlin was a political enclave during the Cold War, existing from 1949 until 1990. It was surrounded by East Germany and served as a symbol of the division between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. The city was divided into East Berlin and West Berlin, with the latter being a free city that attracted many people seeking freedom and economic opportunities. Despite its isolation, West Berlin thrived culturally and economically, benefiting from support from West Germany and other Western nations. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the end of its unique status, leading to the reunification of Germany in 1990.