Physically and ideologically, it was a Berlin Wall that separated East and West Germany between 1961 and 1989. On November 9, 1989 its fall dramatically changed the political, social and economic nature of Germany, Europe and the world. So it was a momentous event, as it started an era of hope, much hope, reunification and quite a big change for the people of Germany.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall: A Catalyst for Change
Berlin Wall was a symbol of the huge wounding Soviet Union and the terminus of Cold War. It was a turning point — for Germany and especially for Europe.
The fall of the Berlin Wall made East and West Germany a separate possibility. For East Germans this was an evocation of freedom and improved living conditions, and a prospect likely welcome to the West Germans of reuniting with their fellow citizens. With the falling of the wall there was a wave of optimism and excitement across the country.
Reunification: A Complex Process
The reunification was a challenging endeavour, but one that needed a lot of careful planning and negotiation. The aim was toward integrating the political, economic and social systems of the two sides of the Germanys. The goal was basically to have the transition to Germany smooth and democratic.
The first four postwar reunifications took place in two different reunification scenarios: first, when the Federal Republic (West Germany) and the Saar Protectorate, plus a discrete zone in Berlin, united with the Allied Forces’ zones in West Germany in May 1949; and second, when those same two demilitarized zones in West Germany and a zone in Berlin were combined with the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) on October 3, 1990, to form a single
Economic Impact: Challenges and Opportunities
Reunification became, by and large, a politically and economically momentous event that impacted East and West Germany in like fashion. Although the integration was causing numerous challenges, it also offered great opportunities for this economy to grow and develop.
The initial disparity on the basis of economic was vast between East and West Germany. The economies were dominant in the West German economy was strong and market oriented, whereas the economy of the East German in general was weak and centralized. Massive investments and structural reforms in drafting the East German economy into a market based system were needed.
In East Germany too, the economic transition became more convoluted by the introduction of a new currency, the Deutsche Mark. And the currency conversion in the former East Germany caused soaring prices and a mass unemployment.
Over the years however, many of these challenges were over come by the reunified Germany. Rebuilding the infrastructure, as well as education and healthcare systems, and the industrial sector in the East, cost billions of euros from West Germany. Despite heightened inequalities between East and West Germany today, the economic gap is much smaller than at reunification.
Political Landscape: A United Germany Emerges
Political changes followed reunification as well. The new Germany was federal parliamentary republic headed by president as the state head and chancellor as the government head.
The reunified Germany’s political system was based in democratic ideals and the concepts freedom, equality and justice. That became the end of a division and the beginning of a reunified, democratic Germany.
International Relations: Germany’s Role in Europe and the World
It had a great deal to do with the Europe and the rest of the world at a political level for Germany to be reunified. In other words, it became a major player of international politics and responsibilities sharply increased.
Germany was an integral member of the European Union (EU) and were involved first hand in influencing the path that EU progression took. As an integral part of the EU expansion process, it meant offering financial, and of course there is nothing financial which cannot be given by the EU, it provided to its neighboring countries to uphold peace and mutual coexistence.
Germany similarly helped create global cooperation, peacekeeping and human rights. It has deployed troops on international peace keeping missions, it advocates multilateralism and diplomacy.
Social Reunification: Healing the Divisions
When the two unifies, it also has profound social change. It hoped to heal the rifts between East and West Germany, and bring together the German people.
Treat efforts were made to bridge the gaps in culture, the gaps in social and the gaps in the psychological. To promote social integration, encourage dialogue and deal with people and communities who live on each side of the wall, programs and projects were launched.
Such a cultural exchange was launched after Reunification between East and West Germany. Different people started to mix with other people, to have their experiences and to create a national identity and at day heritage. The rise of those of both East and West helped to make German society more diverse and more welcoming for people from both East and West.
Remembering the Past: Preserving History
When the Berlin Wall fell we reflected upon our past and how important it is to remember history. In such divisions, memorials, museums and exhibitions related to this division were established to pay tribute to the victims and to educate future generations about such conflicts’ consequences.
The Berlin Wall Memorial is a memorial in the form of a site that shrinks a part of the wall into a reminder. That sign stands as a testimony to the German people’s resilience to hope, unity and peace.
Conclusion
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a new time for Germany, and Europe. It paved the way to the reunification, triggered the Republican and social transformations.
A united and democratic Germany came into being and performed a leading part in European and in the affairs of the world. Challenges remained, but the economic, political, social gaps between East and West Germany had been most succesfully bridged.
The fall of the Berlin Wall reminds us that barriers can be broken down, that divisions can be reconnected and that a more equitable future is possible through dialogue, co-operation and co-habituation, while two or more people share a common image of peace and unity.
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