Introduction
One of the most remembered incidences in the history of the world is the fall of the Berlin Wall. Originally this was a concrete and representational wall which divided East and West Germany during the cold war period. Its’ abrupt demising in 1989 signaled a change for the reunification of Germany and the break up of Soviet Union. It will therefore be pertinent to take time and study the history of this event.
Exemplification: The Construction of the Berlin Wall
The construction of Berlin Wall started at night of 13th August, 1961. This was constructed by the German Democratic Republic and surrounded West Berlin right from its sides, isolating the the former from the latter. First of all, wire barriers and other barriers have been built, but they soon began to build a concrete wall that became associated with the Cold War.
Why was It Built?
Arguing on the main cause of building the Berlin Wall, it is crucial to point out that the GDR and the Soviet Union wanted to stop the large scale of the people’s emigration from the East to the West. There, it manifested itself in a social brain drain and an economic burden to the GDR. Furthermore, the wall separated the democratic free West from the socialist-East thus confirming the political authority of the GDR.
The Impact on Berliners
The building of the wall touched the lives of Berliners in the shortest time possible with devastating effects. People were separated from their families, remained shut out from their homes, workplaces, and friends. Thus, life in East Berlin became and, to a large extent still presents itself as a prison, in which most people cannot travel beyond the city’s borders without obtaining a permit. On the other hand, West Berliners felt the difference and the sense of isolation also felt vulnerable were surrounded by a wall and had a restricted mobility.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
In view of this therefore, it appeared as if the Berlin Wall was almost immune to change by the late 1980. The social changes that started in the Soviet Union under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev had ramifications throughout the socialist most of which was Eastern Europe experienced a wave of political liberalisation referred to as the ‘Peaceful Revolution.’
In Perestroika and Glasnost Relationships
Important in encouraging the change was the policies of peretrastka put into practice by the then Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev who came up with the policy of glasnost. People of Eastern Europe wanted more freedom in political processes, economical changes and no opaque society.
This is the Beginning of Nonviolent Demonstrations
the level of dissent in East Germany grew steadily finally leading to riots and demonstrations. East Berlin is on November 4, 1989, to which around one million citizens of East Berlin came demanding political change and the opening of the border. The government did not have any other option than to respond to the demands of its citizens because of the pressure from them.
The Historic Announcement
On the 9th of November in the evening the regime of East Germany informed the populance that the berlin wall can now be crossed. This unprecedented and revolutionary statement caused reactions in Berlin and hours after the announcement thousands of people stormed the checkpoints.
The Joyful Moment
When the influx of people increased the cross-border guards, who had not been briefed, succumbed to the pressures and order the gates opened. East and West Berliners began to swarm the formerly impassable borders and start dancing in what could be a symbolic reunification party.
Dresden – The Aftermath and Reunification of Germany
The events which resulted to the reunification of Germany began with the fall of the Berlin Wall. This in turn fostered the process of democratization, liberation and the protection of human rights in Eastern Europe. It was on the 3rd of October in 1990, exactly one year after the Berlin Wall came down that East and West Germany were officially amalgamated to form the Federal Republic of Germany.
Conclusion
There was nothing like watching the world change right before one’s eyes when the mighty Berlin Wall finally came crushing down. At present, few traces of the Berlin Wall can still be seen as symbols of heroism and unyielding struggle for the united country. It remains a sign of hope for a world free of humans having to live with limits.
Table of Contents
