The collapse of the Berlin Wall marked a historic moment of reunification and the end of communism, making it one of the most significant events of the 20th century. It demonstrated that peaceful means could overthrow communism. However, it also resulted in a lasting division between East and West Germany that persists to this day.
Constructed in 1961, the Berlin Wall functioned as an iron curtain, dividing East Germany from West Germany and obstructing the escape of East Germans to the West. Its construction was inspired by the Stalinist walls that had been erected around Soviet countries, including the Iron Curtain that separated Berlin from West Berlin during World War II.
As a symbol of division between East and West Germany, the Berlin Wall reflected the broader tensions within Europe, leading to conflicts such as the Franco-Spanish War in the 1960s and the United States' Cold War with Vietnam and China in the 1970s.
The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier with barbed wire, minefields, and guard towers
The Wall was a formidable physical barrier equipped with barbed wire, minefields, and guard towers.
The wall was built to keep people out, but it ended up keeping them in!
The Wall's length was 96 miles (153 km) before being partially destroyed by workers who climbed over it or blew up parts of it during Students protests against communism over the course of several months that ended on November 9th 1989 when Gorbachev announced that he would allow East Germans into West Berlin via buses called "open buses."
However, the wall's eventual destruction came about through protests led by students in universities across Eastern Europe who were fighting against the communism that had been established under Stalin's leadership.
The Soviet Union wanted to keep Germany weak for stability in Europe
The Soviet Union wanted to keep Germany weak so they could have more influence in Europe, and also because of the Cold War. They hoped that if Germany was weak and isolated from other countries, it would be easier for them to control it.
Gorbachev also wanted reunification of Germany before he would leave office as General Secretary of the Communist Party. He stated that reunification was one of his top priorities for Germany and Europe, and he felt it was important to see a united Germany before he died. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked this vision coming true.
The series of events that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall began with riots that broke out in East Germany in 1989, starting in June and grew in size over the following weekend. The first significant riot took place on June 17th, when West Germans crossed over into East Germany to protest against the oppressive regime. Initially peaceful, the demonstration turned violent as protesters set fire to buildings and threw rocks at police officers who were attempting to control the situation.
The American Influence
During his presidency from 1981 to 1989, Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, strongly supported conservative policies and promoted free market economics, low taxes, deregulation, and reduced government intervention in business affairs. In 1984, he called for an increase in military spending and held the belief that communism would not come to an end unless it happened through peaceful means. Reagan's policies and beliefs had a significant impact on American influence, both domestically and internationally.
Conclusion
The collapse of the Berlin Wall was a historic moment of reunification and the end of communism, which marked a significant turning point in the 20th century. The fall of the Wall, brought about by peaceful protests, demonstrated the power of people to bring about change and the resilience of democratic values. The event represented a symbolic end to the Cold War, bringing hope for a more unified and peaceful future. The legacy of the collapse of the Berlin Wall continues to influence politics and society to this day, reminding us of the power of peaceful cooperation and the triumph of democracy over authoritarianism.