Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall fell on 9 November 1989 during the Peaceful Revolution. This event showed that rules keeping people from moving between East Berlin and other areas were no longer followed.

Parts of the wall were broken through, and plans were made to tear it down.

This was one of many events that led to the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. Soon after, the border between the two parts of Germany also came down. The end of the Cold War was announced, and Germany became one country again the next year. The fall of the Berlin Wall was a symbol of big changes in the world.

Background

Opening of the Iron Curtain

Further information: Pan-European Picnic and Removal of Hungary's border fence with Austria

The opening of the Iron Curtain between Austria and Hungary at the Pan-European Picnic on 19 August 1989 started peaceful events. Soon after, many people from East Germany went to Hungary. The leaders of East Germany did not stop them, and this marked the beginning of changes for the Eastern Bloc.

Protection of the wall

The Berlin Wall had two walls, each 4 metres tall and stretching for 155 kilometres. Between them was a guarded area called the death strip, which was dangerous to cross.

Political changes in East Germany

On 18 October 1989, Erich Honecker, the leader of East Germany, stepped down. Egon Krenz took his place but many people were still unhappy. Protests grew, and Krenz tried to make changes, but trust in the government was low.

New East German immigration policy

On 8 November 1989, East Germany planned new rules to allow people to travel more freely. By 9 November, they announced that East Germans could visit West Germany more easily. This announcement led to many people gathering at the Berlin Wall, hoping to cross.

Events

The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. During a news meeting, Günter Schabowski, a leader in East Berlin, said that East Germans could now travel to the West more freely. Many people heard this news and got very excited.

The news spread quickly. People in East Berlin went to the Wall, wanting to pass through. The guards did not know what to do at first. Later, a commander decided to open the gates. People from both sides of the Wall celebrated together.

Before this, many people in East Germany had been peacefully asking for change. They met at a church and held quiet marches with candles.

After the Wall opened, people took pieces of it as souvenirs. New border crossings were announced, and people cheered as bulldozers started to remove parts of the Wall. The official demolition of the Wall began in June 1990 and finished by 1994.

The fall of the Wall helped Germany reunite, which officially happened on October 3, 1990. This event marked a new beginning for many people.

Legacy

Celebrations and anniversaries

Many people celebrated when the Berlin Wall fell with concerts and special events. On 25 December 1989, a famous musician gave a concert in Berlin and changed the word "Joy" to "Freedom" in a song. On New Year's Eve, another performer sang to a huge crowd from part of the Wall.

Over the years, people have talked about whether 9 November should be a special holiday in Germany. This date is important, but some people also remember sad events from history that happened on this day.

10th anniversary celebrations

In 1999, people celebrated ten years since the Wall fell with a concert and fireworks at the Brandenburg Gate. A famous cellist played music, and a rock band performed a song called "Wind of Change."

20th anniversary celebrations

In 2009, Berlin had a big celebration for the 20th anniversary. Over a thousand tall, colorful tiles were arranged like dominoes and then knocked down in front of the Brandenburg Gate. People from all over the world joined in the festivities.

30th anniversary celebrations

In 2019, Berlin planned special events from 4 to 10 November to remember the 30th anniversary of the Wall falling.

Polling

Some people still think about the Wall. In different years, polls have shown that small numbers of people in both West and East Germany wished the Wall was still there. Most people, however, are happy that the Wall fell.