This is the place for you to find out more about the event of the century called the fall of the Berlin Wall. In this article, we are going to explain what it is, history, reasons for it and why it is very important event. No matter whether you are a complete beginner on the issue or you just need a refresher the information provided in this guide will familiarize you with the subject of the consequences of fall of the Berlin Wall.

What Was the Cold War?

Cold war is a period of conflict between the two major powers of the world the United States and the Soviet Union. It span from the end of the Second World War, in 1945 up to the early nineties. The two superpowers never directly engaged in open warfare, but they were involved in numerous proxy wars and had differing ideologies: America liberated and advocating freetrade and democracy on one side while communism was being marketed by the other side of the world- the Soviet Union.

The Division of Berlin

In the post-WW II Berlin again emerged as a divided city. The eastern part was in the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union and the western part in close proximity to the United States, Britain and France. As time went on the split between the two halves became more apparent – the west side of Berlin was a growing and prosperous democratic country while east Berlin was under Soviet rule and authoritarian rule.

The Berlin Wall: Origins and Construction

To block the hit and run of people from East Germany to the west, the GDR which was backed by the Soviet Union constructed the Berlin Wall. Suddenly on August the 13th on the night concrete blocks and barbed wire barriers were put in place to literally partition the city. The action was totally unnerving and unexpected to the populations in both East and West Berlin.

Why the Wall Came Down

Social and Economic Pressures

The East Germans especially the population of this region suffered most of the social and economic problems arising from soviet regime. Shelter was inadequate and people had numerous complaints about limited freedom in this period. They wanted the freedom and the right of the citizen of West Germany in regard to Business rights.

Gorbachev’s Reform Policies

Mr Mikhail Gorbachev – the General Secretary of the Soviet Union introduced considerable changes in the social and political life of that nation in the 1980i. This openness policy known as glasnost and restructuring policy known as perestroika for a progressive political and economical liberty. This newfound openness led people throughout out Eastern Europe and encouraged them to demand change.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall: November 9, 1989

East Germany opened borders, which meant that anyone could go west, on 9th November 1989. This rather shocking statement caused thousands of East Berliners to gather at the Berlin Wall, demanding to cross through. Tire of the pressure put on them, the border guards also surrendered, and the Berlin Wall came crashing down. This was the evidence of the political reunion and the signal of the end of the Cold War phase.

Impact and Significance

The break of barrier represented by the Berlin Wall was a victory of liberty and the standard against oppression. That was followed by the reunification of East and West Germany which became official on October 3, 1990. It also facilitated the break up of the colossus of the Soviet Union and the closing of the Cold war.

Moreover, it is proved by the fact that the disappearance of the Berlin Wall was realized by people as well. And it sets a decent of how human will and determination can achieve even that which seems impossible to achieve. It is marked in honor of mankind, cooperation, and the desire for liberty.

In Conclusion

The collapse of the Berlin Wall remains as one of the greatest events in history of the twentieth century. Its effects were not limited to the extent of Germany but contributed to the dismantling of the Cold War and political/ social change. Thanks to the solutions concerning the division and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the cold will always be associated with the physical barrier and a symbol of hope and solidarity, the constant fight for freedom as well as the power of the human soul.