A State becomes history

On October 7, 1949, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was founded. The communist state existed for four decades with the German-German border forming the hottest frontline of the Cold War. The GDR lasted until the fall of 1989, when its citizens began the Peaceful Revolution and seized power.

: Enlarge image; Allied Checkpoint Charlie; (© picture-alliance/ dpa)

The Second World War is over. The victorious allies USA, UK, France and the USSR take on the reigns of government. They split the country, and Berlin, the former capital of the German Reich, into four occupied zones.

In the west the Federal Republic of Germany is founded on 23 May 1949. The Soviet occupied territory becomes the GDR on 7 October 1949. Likewise, the Soviet part of Berlin, East Berlin, becomes the capital of the newly founded state. On 13 August 1961 the leaders of the GDR initiate the construction of the Berlin Wall in order to consolidate German partition. Soldiers of the Western Allies and the Eastern Bloc stand face to face in the city.

In August 1961 the GDR erects the first metal fences along the German-German border. Their course resembles a 1400 kilometer-long death zone. Watchtowers, spring guns and minefields prevent escape attempts by GDR citizens. Estimates vary from 80 to over 200 killed refugees at the Berlin Wall alone. German unity becomes ever more remote a possibility. This changed on 10 March 1985, when Mikhail Gorbachev becomes General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He makes cautious overtures to the West. The end of the Cold War is in sight.

: Enlarge image; Monday demonstration in Leipzig, 1989; (© picture-alliance / dpa/ dpaweb)

GDR citizens are enthusiastic about Gorbachev. In October 1989 the Monday demonstrations in Leipzig mark the beginning of the Peaceful Revolution. On the streets of ever more GDR cities, citizens call for democracy, freedom and political reforms, just like Gorbachev in the Soviet Union.

On 9 November 1989 the Berlin Wall falls. The separation of Germany is over. Less than twelve months later only one Germany exists. The 3 October 1990 enters history as the day on which Germany is reunified. After 40 years the GDR accedes to the Federal Republic. The communist dictatorship on German soil is over.

Segments of the Wal around the world

: Enlarge image; A fragment of the Berlin Wall, at the Imperial War Museum, London; (© Wikimedia Commons)

After the Wall was torn down, some segments of it were kept in Germany, others have been given to various institutions worldwide, eg. the European Parliament in Brussels or the Vatican.

Several pieces are to be found in the USA

In the UK there are three places housing segment of the Wall: one is outside the Imperial War Museum in London three sections are on display to the side of the National Army Museum in London and a small rock is located in Berwick Barracks, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

source: Young Germany, German Embassy London

last updated: 3 November 2009