The winters of the year 1940 was brutal for the residents of the city of Berlin. Germany’s waterways from the smallest canals and lake to the greatest arterial rivers, froze solid. Temperatures fell as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. The effect of the brutal weather disrupted the lives of berliners to a great extent.
The worst hit was traveling around the city of Berlin. Railway points were freezing while the snow piled high up on the city streets. Many homeless people were freezing to death due to extreme temperatures.
Since the traveling was worst affected the moment of coal was hindered as well. The coal was a necessary fuel and without this the city would not be able to sustain itself. On seeing the crisis that was ahead of the people the people of Berlin were scrambling for coal. People could be seen through the city moving coal in cars, autos, horse carts and even wheel barrows.
The authorities decided to withdraw coals from schools, churches and factories(not engaged in war production). The lack of fuel meant that many building and businesses across Berlin were forced to close. The University closed its doors from Mid-afternoon, most restaurants, cafes and beer halls were shut as well. Schools opened only for a couple of hours just long enough to set assignments.
Most households only had enough fuel to heat just one room. Many simply resorted to wearing their winter clothes indoor. They had to make many amends to their daily routine as well. Even the number of accidents went up despite the fall in traffic volume.
In todays time it is difficult to understand the intensity of a winter storm has on a person’s lifestyle due to our modern conveniences. However the life of people in Berlin was dramatically affected by the extreme weather especially due to the lack of heating and any sort of convenience that we today take for granted.