Understanding the Context
The existing wall in Berlin was constructed early in the 1960s during the Cold War to divide East Berlin from West Berlin. It was not just the house of concrete and glass, but the house that symbolized ideological confrontation of communism and capitalism. Over the years, people of East Germany saw that wall as a constant marker of the barriers that have been placed before them.
But, on this date, November 9, 1989, something history changing happened – the Berlin wall came down. After this event the process of termination of the Cold War and the German reunification” had started.
The Trigger: Change and Reform
The break down of the Berlin Wall can be attributed to political changes in the Soviet Union, ground work, and the constant insistence by the citizens of East Germany that demanded it.
Since Gorbachev ordered the changes called perestroika and glasnost, several other changes swept Eastern Europe. The leadership in the Soviet Union under Gorbachev understood this perhaps better than most leaders that change was possible and the policy of repression had to end.
Nonviolent Demonstrations and Population Drain
Just before the fall of the Berlin wall there was an uplift in protests in East Germany calling for change to get a democratic system and freedom of movement. Mass move from East to West was already at unprecedented level owing to dissatisfaction with regime policies.
There were reports of individual citizens climbing over the wall prior to the fall in the months leading up to it. The most important of these was on August 19, 1989 when thousands of East Germans crossed the Hungarian-Austrian border, which was opened for a few hours by the Hungarian authorities. More pressure was mounted unto the East German government through these events.
The Fateful Night: November 9, 1989
On the night of November 9, East German government spokesman, Günter Schabowski, went on national television to declare that the interzission on East German citizens to travel to the West had been lifted “effective at once.” However this announcement was done haphazardly without adequate guidelines on the way the new policy would be effected.
When word got out that the wall was to be opened east Berliners flocked to the border crossings waiting to be let through to West Berlin. LOL In the wake of this new policy, the border guards opened up the checkpoints to the foreigners for the first time even though this new policy had not been instituted officially yet the next day.
Liberation and communal festivities and The symbolic boon that comes with it
Watching freedom, skills of the inhabitants of two cities – East and West Berliners, rejoicing and ultimately begin to dismantle the wall itself became iconic images associated with the event. The event was symbolic of identity change in every aspect, as it meant that but as a society the people of Berlin will overcome the walls of division and fear to embrace the freedoms from oppression.
The Aftermath of WW II and the German Reunification
The event that accelerated the change in different countries of Europe was, for example, the fall of the Berlin Wall. In the subsequent months, other countries in the Eastern Europe had also their revolutions and communism states were pulled down.
Germany itself joined with another new country; the two former new countries of East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) became one unified country. Since the 3rd of October 1990 the reunified Germany was born, this is the triumph of the will to freedom and to unity against the division.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
The bringing down of the Berlin Wall remains historical to this date, it symbolizes victory over depression, oneness, and spirit of people. It is an eternal call to liberty, democracy and for the improvement of the quality of life of the people.
The changes which have occurred over the period relevant to the fall of the Berlin Wall show that change is indeed achievable in the face of odds. They also put the importance of the fight for justice, and the role of the everyday people in history.
Conclusion
The most significant event in Germany in the past few decades would be the year when the Berlin Wall physically broke down. It lead to Peace during the cold war, Germany joined in unity again, and hopes of a better tomorrow.
November 9, 1989, is regarded as a historic day globally because people supporting unity and the spirit proclaim it a Sovereign Day. Each year we remember the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the outcome of this event is illustrative and enlightening; people must remember that great changes are possible if you step out on the edge.
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