The fall of the Berlin Wall made major changes to world history during that time. This date ended the Cold War while uniting West Germany with East Germany. This article explores how and why the Berlin Wall fell and why the moment remains important for everyone today.
Following World War II Germany underwent division when communist authorities created the Berlin Wall.
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupied zones controlled by the Allied powers: The United States teamed up with both Britain and France to control the Soviet Union in four European nations. The developing battle between the Soviet Union and other powers changed into two Germanysa separate countries in 1949.
On August 13, 1961 East Germany built a wall to prevent Soviet Union aid and follow-up from its restive population. They built 96 mile long separation between East and West Berlin territories. Following work crews erected a 96-mile-long wall between Berlin sections called the Berlin Wall with barbed wire, watchtowers, and vehicle stopping defenses.
The Berlin Wall construction shaped the daily existence of Germans in every way. Communist rule in East Berlin split families apart while leaving many of its people stranded on the wrong side of the new border. Year after year East German citizens tried to leave their country but many died during these risky attempts.
The Beginning of the End
During 1980s the Soviet Union and its ally governments struggled with economic and political problems. Eastern Europeans and especially East Germans began to object more forcefully to their political leaders. During 1989 a chain of developments took place and ended up destroying the Berlin Wall.
The peaceful uprising happened in East Germany’s society
In May 1989 Hungary took down its border fencing with Austria to enable East Germans to escape freely through the Austria-Hungary border. Many people in East Germany joined protests across the region after this event.
70,000 people assembled in Leipzig on October 9th 1989 to make a peaceful stand against their government. East German history entered a new direction through the Monday Demonstrations.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
At a press conference on November 9, 1989 East German authorities shocked the world by ending travel restrictions to West Germany instantly. When word of travel sanctions being lifted became public many East Germans packed their suitcases and headed straight to the border crossings.
The border guards had to let the walls open because numerous people kept arriving at their station. Thousands of East Germans arrived in West Berlin to find cheers from the people after crossing the border.
The Significance of the Fall
After its collapse the Berlin Wall had important effects throughout Germany and the entire global community.
Reunification of Germany
When the Berlin Wall fell it enabled East and West Germany to become united again. On October 3, 1990 the separate nations united officially after decades of partition.
Symbol of Freedom
The Berlin Wall began representing liberation when people saw their desire for unity come true. When the wall collapsed it motivated everyone around the world to support democracy.
The End of the Cold War
After the fall of the Berlin Wall people perceived the end of cold war tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. The event introduced fresh ways for nations around the world to interact.
Conclusion
The Berlin Wall’s collapse formed a landmark event that closed one historical period. By bringing freedom and hope to German citizens and demonstrating worldwide influence the event achieved its mission. Today the remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall serve to honor how strongly people trusted in their own courage.
