Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

The Fall of the Berlin Wall: A Historic Moment that United a Divided City

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

The Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of the Cold War era, stood for over 28 years dividing the city of Berlin into East and West. It was a physical barrier erected by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1961 to prevent citizens from fleeing to West Berlin. However, on the 9th of November 1989, the world witnessed a historic event that would forever change the course of history and bring an end to the Berlin Wall.

The Construction of the Berlin Wall

Complementarily, the concrete representation of the ideological differences within Europe was the so called Berlin Wall. The wall was built by the GDR government to stop the tide of immigration from the East to West Germany – which was richer. The GDR also worried about the loss of skilled labor and also thought that its image in the community was at risk of being harmed.

OnAugust12,1961,undertheamediastoftime,EastGerman soldiers started layingconcretewallbarb_bw1 wiredamenandotherfencesontheborderof threestrong barriers. This wall run for over 96miles and surrounded West Berlin, and soldiers were placed on the wall to make sure that no body would be allowed to cross.

Here the effects on the Berlin’s citizens.

For twenty two years constantly the breaches erased by the wall were felt physically and psychologically by the people of Berlin. Families, friends, contacts, relationships, all were cut off as people were left on the wrong side of History forever. The wall was for the harrows and had become a painful sign of subjugation and a continuous reminder of the problem in the city.

People living in East Berlin only had restricted freedom of movement, few careers were open to them, and they were even spied on by the Stasi, the state security agency. Efforts which people made to escape to the West were real and were punished, imprisoned, and in many cases, the individuals were killed.

Out of desperation always comes the great attempt at escape.

Nonetheless, numerous people had started to challenge the wall and tried heroically to stage impressive escapes. They found themselves climbing drain pipes, crawling through the sewers, attempting suicide jumps from the windows of apartment houses knowing that people awaited them below to catch them. One of most striking attempts was the imaginative application of hot air balloons, tunnels and do-it-yourself zip-line to make a run for it.

These are stories of courage and resolve, which must never be forgotten – no matter how terrible the enemy that is faced by a person.

The Winds of Change

By the late 1980s the Soviet Union and its scattered nations were experiencing rebellion and resistance, economical crises, and demands for changes. This environment provided background for shifts that would ultimately lead to the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

Glasnost which means openness Outcomes of glasnost Perestroika which means restructuring: Outcomes of perestroika

In the mid 1980’s, Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev launched policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). These polices were intended in deciphering result oriented approaches on subjects such as transparency, political liberalization and Soviet economy update.

Gorbachev’s policies had far reaching consequences, and people in Eastern Europe wanted a change as well. In East Germany, people started demonstrating peacefully and lobbying for change of political system.

The Peaceful Revolution

The protests began in the autumn of 1989, as a few thousands of the East Germans along with other citizens came out on the streets of Leipzig, Dresden and other significant towns chanting over political freedom and an implication on the dreadful system. It progressed further and finally came to Berlin.

On the evening of November the ninth in 1989 a particularly confused statement from a government spokesperson created widespread panic. He proclaimed that East Germans would be able around the clock and without any further delay to leave the GDR for the FRG and also travel to the West. Men, women and children of East and West Berlin went to the Wall, and when the guards did not shoot, people overcame the barriers and danced.

The Conclusion and Reintegration

Not only did Germany see the Knocking down of the wall; this event also triggered events that came with the reunification of Germany. That actually changed the political map of Europe and had consequences for the whole world indeed.

After that period the process of reunion of East and West Germany was set on the right track. The Unity was achieved on the third of October, in 1990 and Berlin was made capital of Germany again.

A Symbol of Hope

Today, remnants of the Berlin Wall serve as a reminder of the city’s turbulent past and the triumph of unity over division. The East Side Gallery, a section of the wall adorned with vibrant murals, has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

The fall of the Berlin Wall was a defining moment in history that showcased the indomitable will of ordinary people to break down barriers and fight for freedom. It serves as a powerful reminder that no wall is impenetrable when the desire for liberty burns in the hearts of the oppressed.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free