October 3 is celebrated as the German Unity Day. It marks the anniversary when the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the Democratic Republic of Germany (East Germany), united to create one single, federal Germany on October 3, 1990.
In 1961, the Berlin Wall was built by the German Democratic Republic to separate West Berlin (which was occupied by Allied forces), from East Berlin (which was occupied by Soviet Union). The wall was primarily built to prevent mass defections from the East to the West. In 1989, following several weeks of civil unrest, the government in East Germany allowed free movement of people between the East and the West. On November 9, 1989, the checkpoints between the two countries were opened and people were allowed to travel freely. This date marked the “fall” of the Berlin wall. This led to further changes and free elections. The Treaty of Unification was signed by both countries’ leaders in August 1990 and finally, Germany’s unification became official on October 3, 1990.
My contribution to this week’s challenge, Boundaries, is the Berlin Wall. The actual demolition of the wall began in 1990 and was completed in 1992. Only a small part remains now, which is open to public viewing and is a stark reminder of the Cold War.
Great information. Did you get to. Berlin on your travels? I heard it’s a great city
Thanks Joan. Yes I recently visited Berlin and a few other cities in Germany. Berlin is a great city – full of history and beautiful architecture.
I would think so, I was in frankfurt which has a lot of modern buildings.
What a great interpretation of this week’s challenge. Such an important and defining moment in history. Lovely shot of the wall and interesting to see it decorated with graffiti today. It’s the people’s wall in a sense as it was because of their desperation to seek a better life that it was built.
Thanks Mabel. It was an overwhelming experience visiting the wall and reading about all the people who died whilst trying to escape from the east to the west.
Excellent choice. Such an incredible moment!
Thanks Tina. Happened to be such a coincidence that its german unity day today! I didn’t realise until I started writing about the berlin wall.
Powerful imagery of a boudary that separates.
Thank you. Too much history behind this wall!