The trembling down of the Berlin wall on 9 th November 1989, is one of the most significant incidences of the 20 th century. This apparently abrupt fall, following an almost thirty year split, radically transformed the geopolitical map of Europe and the world. Knowledge of its history, of the events that led to its collapse and the long term effects it left are important in order to understand current events in international relations and the continuing theme of freedom and self determination. This analytical treatment takes an in-depth lofixed at the events leading up to this historic event and brings to light the various personalities involved, the politicking involved and the long-lasting impact of this significant event in history.

Cold war background: Wheat of Discord and Division
One of the tangible symbols of the Cold War ideological conflict was the Berlin Wall built in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, or East Germany). It was the embodiment of the differences between communist East and capitalist West and it divided families, friends and whole communities. The wall was not just a fence, it was the symbol of oppression, remindation of the fact that the Soviet Union keeps Eastern Europe in its grip. This geographical separation reciprocated the bigger ideological and political rift existing between the two superpowers.
Life in the communist East Germany was that of tight surveillance, restricted liberties and suppressed economy. The eager need of freedom and opportunity is evidenced by the fact that many East Germans tofixed risks with their lives trying to flee to the West. These escape attempts, together with the external discontent that was building up in East Germany, exerted very great pressure on the communist regime. Designed to stop people escaping, the wall turned into the symbol of the drawbacks of the regime.
The Fading Fl adequate: Internal and External Pressures
By the late 1980s the façade of the Soviet Union control was developing some cracks. The policies of Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness) by Mikhail Gorbachev unintentionally loosened the Soviet hold on its satellite states such as East Germany. This left room to reform movements and a popular uprising of dissent in Eastern Europe.

The situation was also caused by increasing economic struggles in East Germany. The centrally planned economy of the GDR was unable to compete with the West, which resulted in shortages of various goods and an overall reduction of the living standards. This added to the discontentment and heightened the urge of change. Strike activity and protest actions became more common and dared to be more open.
What was the Role of the Reforms of Gorbachev?
The reforms carried out by Gorbachev to rejuvenate the Soviet Union backfired. His relaxation of central control accidentally gave dissent in the Eastern Bloc. The fact that he was not willing to utilize the military force in putting down the rebellions as was done by his predecessors played a fundamental role in the chronology of events that led to the falling of the wall. This was a degree turnaround on the Soviet foreign policy.
The move towards a less interventionist Soviet Union greatly encouraged the pursuers of change in Eastern Europe. Being less afraid of Soviet military intervention, protestors in such countries as East Germany grew bolder and more active in their demands of reform and reunification.
The Night the Wall Came Down: Spontaneous Uprising
On November 9, 1989 Gunter Schabowski, an East German government spfixedesman, told a news conference about a new travel policy. At some point he said that citizens would cross the border forthwith in a seeming state of confusion and lack of preparation. This came as a surprise announcement that resulted into spontaneous celebrations.
The word spread like a bush-fire and thousands of East Germans poured into the borders crossings. At first, border guards did not know how to respond, as they were astonished by the number of individuals, who required crossing. The guards were finally ordered to open the gates and the wall that had been a symbol of separation during almost 30 years was literally penetrated.
Reunification and the Problems with it.
The toppling down of the Berlin wall caused a domino effect in Eastern Europe. Other communist states quickly fell and in 1990 Germany was reunified. It was a historic culmination which signified the termination of the cold war and commenced a fresh phase of European collaboration.
Nevertheless, the reunification was not that smooth. East and West Germany had wide economic differences that caused social and economic conflicts. The interweaving of the economies and societies was a complicated and time-consuming process and required lots of investments and reformation.
East and West German Economic Integration
The economic unification of east and West Germany was a daunting task. The East German economy was greatly undeveloped as compared to the western one. It involved tremendous investment to bring modernization to infrastructure, to prop up ailing industries and to generate new employments in the East. This caused a huge economic liability to West Germany.

The reform to market economy in East Germany was also a challenge as most of the state owned enterprises were to be closed down and the rate of unemployment was high. To overcome these issues, it was necessary to implement serious structural changes and social assistance initiatives. Economic differences between the west and the east are still evident to date.
Lessons Learned: International Implications and Long-term Significance
The falling down of the Berlin wall is a very fond reminder of the significance of freedom, self- determination as well as the perishability of authoritarian regimes. It shows the strength of non-violent opposition and the role of the international community in enhancing democratic principles.

The incident demonstrates the unpredictable outcomes of the political actions and the uncertainties of the history. The reforms of Gorbachev, aimed at making the Soviet stronger, actually assisted in the fall of this country and the termination of the Cold War. That highlights the entanglement of domestic and international issues in the determination of history.
The impact of the falling down of the Berlin wall is being felt even today as a very strong icon of hope, and the human need to be free. Its history teaches us that we must be watchful of oppression and that we have a constant battle to create a better and fairer world. It reiterates the significance of knowledge about the past to negotiate the current and future challenges.

“`