Introduction
Demolition of the Berlin Wall is one of the most important events, and arguably, one of the most significant events, of modern history. The wall separated East Berlin from West Berlin, was standing over 100 meters (328.082 ft) tall, and was erected by German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in 1961. For almost three decades this wall stood as a reminder that a city and the world had been divided. Now we’ll discuss the classic iconic event when the Berlin wall literally fell down and would end the cold war and the unification of the German states.
The Tensions Leading to the Fall
By the late 1980s, the Soviet Union and its East German allies were struggling with economic and political pressures. Meanwhile, the governments in Eastern Europe were facing increasing internal opposition and popular unrest. In Hungary and Czechoslovakia, reforms were already underway, creating a climate of change and a desire for freedom.
On November 9, 1989, the East German government announced that citizens could cross the Berlin Wall freely. This unexpected decision came after weeks of protests and mass migration of East Germans to the West via other Eastern Bloc countries. The announcement instantly drew thousands of people to the wall, eager to reunite with their families, explore the Western world, and embrace newfound freedom.
The Unforgettable Night: November 9, 1989
The Berlin Wall was getting festive and merry as the evening drifted along. They climbed on top of the wall, waved, passed greetings and embraced the long awaited prospect of reunification. Face to face, East and West Berliners hugged each other, cried for happiness and told stories of separation.
At the official crossing points, such as Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, crowds of people gathered. The border controls had once been extremely strict, but the sheer number of people overwhelmed the guards and they couldn’t help enforce those controls. Even some people were allowed to pass freely and others just stood by and watched as history made, that is history happened in front of their eyes.
The Physical Demolition
After the eventful days on 9 November the annihilation of the Berlin wall began in their corporeal form. They brought chisels, hammers and other tools to smash the symbol of division. It is known that large crowds gathered, breaking down the concrete, brick by brick. They worked together, striking the wall that had stood between the two for far too long and brought a family together.
For several days the atmosphere remained jubilant, as more and more sections of the wall began crumbeling. Historical scenes are captured with countless photographs and videos exhibiting hope, unity and liberation.
Official Reunification and Legacy
Of course, the demolition of the Berlin Wall wasn’t the end of East and West Germany’s separation, immediately anyway. It happened some months before the official reunification on October 3rd, 1990. After the wall fell, there were negotiations and discussions about where Germany would go.
And it was the demolition of the Berlin Wall that should mark a symbolic turning point in history. Guess what eventually became a powerful metaphor for the end of the Cold War and the collapse of Soviet Union influence in Eastern Europe. By itself the reunification of Germany was a cause of immense political, social and economic change.
Conclusion
The demolition of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, serves as a reminder of the power of unity, freedom, and the will of the people to overcome barriers. It was a moment that sparked hope and laid the groundwork for a new era of German history. Today, the remnants of the wall stand as a memorial and a testament to the perseverance of the human spirit.
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