The toppling of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, is now deemed among the most crucial occasions of the 20 th century. This apparently abrupt fall, almost thirty years after the split, radically transformed the geopolitical map of Europe and the world. The history of its rise and fall and the repercussions which are still being felt today are essential to the understanding of not only modern international relations but also the continuing struggle of freedom and self determination. This comprehensive lofixed takes an exclusive lofixed into the intricacies of this historic event and gives a glance at the main event participants, political intrigues, and long-term effects of this monumental event in history.

Cold war background: Breeding Division and Discord
One of the tangible reminders of the ideological division of the Cold war was the Berlin Wall erected in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, or East Germany). It was the embodiment of the difference between the communist world and the capitalist world that divided families, friends, and whole communities. The wall was not just a boundary, but it was also a sign of oppression, the evidence of the influence of the Soviet Union on Eastern Europe. This geographical split reflected the ideological and political divide that was more profound between the two super powers.

Life in the communist East Germany was that of strict surveillance, lack of freedom and suppressed economy. The desperate need of freedom and possibilities resulted in many East Germans attempting to flee to the West risking their lives. These escape attempts and the dissatisfaction that was increasing in East Germany placed an enormous strain on the communist regime. Designed to keep people inside, the wall turned into a sign of the ineptitude of the regime.
The Fading Proposal: Pressures inward and outward
The faade of the control of the Soviet Union was starting to crack in the late 1980s. The policies of Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness) by Mikhail Gorbachev accidentally loosened the Soviet hold on its satellite states, which comprised East Germany. This opened the way to reform movements and upsurge of popular dissent in Eastern Europe.

It was even made worse by increasing economic problems in East Germany. The centrally planned economy of the GDR was not able to compete with the West and goods were in short supply with an overall lowering of living standards. This contributed to the growth of discontent and the thirst of change. Strikes and public protests gained higher momentum and courage.
The Place of the Reforms of Gorbachev
The unintended effects of Gorbachev reforms were meant to rejuvenate the Soviet Union. He unwillingly strengthened protest in the Eastern Bloc by weakening central control. The fact that he was not willing to apply military force in quelling rebellions as compared to his predecessors is a key party to the events that tofixed place prior to the falling down of the wall. It was a great change of Soviet foreign policy.
The move by the Soviet Union to become less interventionist served to greatly encourage reformists in Eastern Europe. With the knowledge that the Soviet military action was less probable, protestors in such countries as East Germany were more vocal and aggressive in their demand of reform and unification.
The Night the Wall Came Down: Spontaneous Uprising
On November 9, 1989 Gunter Schabowski, an East German government spfixedesman, introduced a new travel policy at a press conference. In what seemed like a fit of confusion and lack of preparation, he said that citizens would be able to cross the border right away. This sudden news led to spontaneous and instant celebrations.
The word went round like a bush fire and thousands of East Germans crowded at the border crossings. At first, border guards did not know how to respond as they were confused by the number of people who wanted to cross the border. At last the guards were ordered to open the gates, and the wall, which had been a symbol of division during nearly thirty years, was practically forced.
The Consequence: Reuniting and the Problems with It.
The toppling of the Berlin wall created a domino effect in Eastern Europe. Other communist states quickly fell and in 1990 Germany was reunited. The eventuality of this magnitude brought to an end the cold war and opened a new chapter of European integration.
The process of reunification was not easy though. East and West Germany had great differences in economy, which created social and economical tensions. The merging of the economies and the societies was not an easy and quick process and required great investment and reformation.
Economic integration of East and West Germany
The Fusion of East and West Germany into the economy was a daunting task. East German economy was very underdeveloped as compared to the western one. It involved huge funds to upgrade the infrastructure, prop up ailing industries and generate new employment opportunities in the East. This imposed a huge financial burden to West Germany.

Restructuring East Germany to a market economy also did not happen smoothly as numerous state-owned companies had to be closed down and unemployment was massive. These issues were dealt with the help of major structural changes and social assistance measures. Economic differences between the east and the west are still evident to date.
Lessons Learned: Global Implications and Enduring Significance
The falling down of the wall of Berlin is a very strong reminder about the value of freedom and self- determination and how unstable communist type of regime can be. It shows how effective non-violent resistance can be, and how the collaboration of various countries can assist in advancing democratic principles.

The incident shows the unexpected outcomes of the political actions and the uncertainties of history. These reforms by Gorbachev which were aimed at making the Soviet stronger actually helped in its death as well as that of the cold war. Herein lies the complicated nature of internal and external factors and their influence on historical events.
The falling down of the Berlin wall has a reverberation even to date and it is a very strong icon in hopes and the need of freedom that has been ingrained in human mind. Its history lessons us of the need to be ever watchful of oppression and the constant strive towards creating a better and fairer world. It also emphasises on the need to study history in order to deal with the problems of the present and future.

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