Introduction
For 28 years the wall, dividing East and West Germany, separated families until its demolition of November 9, 1989. This time was regarded historic, being the one that ushered in the reunification of the Germans in history. In this article, the reader will learn about the events that led to the collapse of the Berlin Wall exploring the destiny of the world.
The Role of the Soviet Union
Another major factor towards to the toppling of the Berlin Wall include politics, vertical particularly with regard to the Soviet Union. During the leadership of Mr. Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union, the country started introducing economic and political innovations called Glasnost, and Perestroika respectively for the purpose of arresting the deteriorating economy and encouraging an open political system. Initiated by Gorbachev, these reforms appreciated freedoms and openness in and out of the Soviet Union.
Growing Demands for Freedom
Glasnost is a Russian term that refers to openness; they apply it here to depict a host of political searched and social reforms. Soviet people as well as residents of other satellite countries such as the eastern Germany were increasingly feel the socialism as oppressive in terms of freedom, as well as challenged in terms of the economic status. Freedom and the improvement of living conditions became a popular interest, which caused more protests and The Desire for Freedom and Search for Better Living Conditions the search for change.
The Peaceful Protests in East Germany
In East Germany the people, motivated by the desire of change, hardly took to the streets protesting peacefully. Such demonstrations started gaining ground and people started increasing its strength by demanding the political reforms and an opening of the borders. This was well illustrated through their famous slogan which was; “Wir sind das Volk” which directly translates to “we are the people” They had lot of morale and were willing to work through all the odds in order to effect a change.
The Progressive Policies of West Germany and the International Community
There is no doubt that the effort in bringing down the wall and collapsing the Soviet regime was Africa and its domestic politics generally but the support of the west and particularly the policies of West Germany cannot be overemphasized.
The Example of West Germany
This West Germany unlike the east, welcomed a democracy and a market oriented economy. The differences in quality of life and personal liberty of the two German states began to become this apparent. GDR felt competition and curiosity on part of West Germans, prosperity and success of West Germany influenced their eastern counterparts and eventually they wanted to reunite.
The Influence of International Diplomacy
Some distinguished players from the international-community who had the influence over the events that led to the fall the wall were; The conflict between the United States and Soviet Union was in the Reagan Thatcher détente when Reagan met Thatcher, and Gorbachev laid the foundation of diplomacy by breaking the ice of the cold war leading to liberal differences between East and West Germany.
The Opening of the Borders
One important event in the autumn of the fall of the Berlin Wall was the lifting of travel ban which enabled the east Germans to visit West Germans and to enjoy their rights which were deprived of them for such a long time.
The Historic Announcement
East Germany government spokesperson, Günter Schabkowski had erroneously stated on television on November 9, 1989 that restriction in travel to West Germany had been removed. This statement elicited an undesirable response, because thousands of east germans gathered near the Berlin wall, insisting to be allowed into the west.
The Power of the People
Despite confusion created by Schabowski’s statement the border guards have relented to let the overwhelming number of East Germans through. Gates were opened and people literally rushed out, people felt free, they were free at last. This event symbolically grew into a safely demolition of the Berlin Wall and German reunification in 1990.
Conclusion
The erosion of the Berlin Wall was the result of several different political, social and economical factors. The change of heart of the Soviet Union, the non-violent movements in East Germany, progressive liberal policy of west Germany and diplomacy all had important roles at the time of this event. The opening of the borders together with determination of the people led to the break down of the physical and ideological division that had split the East and west Germany for almost thirty years. The breaking down of the Berlin Wall is still an epitome of freedom and unity together with spirit of the people.
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