The Berlin Wall was a symbol of division for nearly third of the twentieth century. But it is necessary to know about the causes of the its collapse and the role and importance of the event for Germany and the whole world. In the course of this article, readers will be able to understand certain historical incidents that collectively contributing huge towards its demolition.
The Berlin Wall: Political and Social Approaches to Measuring Its Construction
The Berlin wall was erected and constructed by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) on the 13 of August 1961. Its main function was more to stop people from freely crossing between East and West Berlin. The East German government insisted that to prevent influences of imperialism and fascist from destabilizing their socialist state, they had to construct the wall.
The system in consist of concrete wall surrounded with barbed wire fences, watchtower, and a trench known as ‘death strip’. People were split by the night, and families and friends were left separated in two very different worlds.
Iron Curtain as the First Step Towards Change
At the time of the division of Berlin it was the Soviet Union that was actively contributing to the divisions however they were in the process of transforming in the late 1980s. Gorbachev introduced his policies which included glasnost, basically translating to expose this wanted to open up the Soviet system and perestroika meaning restructuring the Soviet economy.
These reforms also paved a way in the satellite states to affect the constitution of the Soviet Union including the east Germany. When the public of China started to insist on democracy and improved standards of living, the veil of Communism looked to wane.
The Peaceful Revolution
The Peaceful Revolution or Wende started in the East Germany in 1989. Street demonstrations against the government began in Leipzig and quickly snowballed across other parts of the country, calling for change politically, democratic tenets, and a freedom of movement. Among the demonstrators were students and intelligentsia, workers and employees who expressed their disagreement.
On the 9th November 1989 the East German government declared that people could freely travel across the border. Lots of people rushed to the checkpoints and guess what, the border guards did not restrain the people. They jumped; they hoorayed; they clanged on the Berlin Wall, carved on concrete—initiating demolition of the Wall which separated East and West Berlin.
The Reunification of Germany
The accident of the Berlin Wall is recognized as great accident of history. It triggered major changes in Germany and the whole of Europe in various ways. Germany was reunited and became one country officially on 3rd of October in 1990 and it also established as Democratic country.
The unification process was political, legal as well as economic integration that took quite some time because of many phases involved in the exercise. The reunification, however, had its own difficulties and these are the problems which emerge from the following argument. While the western part of the country was struggling to reduce inflation, unemployment and to contain public expenditure the eastern part of provided a hardship in the transition to a market economy and high rates of unemployment.
The Legacy of the Berlin Wall
The remnants of the Berlin Wall are still visible, and this symbol is still having an impact on the history of Germany and the whole world. That way, it will always be in the symbolism of the fight by those who were affected by the division and in freedom and unity.
Today the parts of wall exist in Berlin as a memorial and also as a sign of hope. Modern museum, memorials and educational establishments pertain to the division as well as regarding what it did to the normal populace.
Conclusion
The destruction of the Berlin Wall remains the greatest social and political symbol of change not only in Germany but also in the whole world. The reunification of east and west Germany emblemated the victory democracy and the desire of people for freedom.
The tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989 can be considered as the conclusion of several years of Cold War separation. With time having elapsed, there is need to look back and see what this period has taught us to work towards world with bridges instead of walls.
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