The Berlin Wall Fell 30 Years Ago
The Berlin Wall was torn down 30 years ago. The seismic event sent shock waves across Europe and sparked hopes for millions of East Germans. The Berlin Wall was erected on 13 August 1961. Made of barbed wire and concrete, the wall divided East and West Berlin for 28 years. The fall of the wall also triggered a series of events that led to the reunion of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. The Berlin Wall was actually two walls, surrounding West Berlin and separated by a “death strip.” As its name implies, East Germans who tried to escape would be summarily shot by GDR border guards. Estimates vary, but well over 300 people are believed to have been killed trying to escape East Germany. Berlin Today About 200 events have been held over the last week in Berlin alone. Under the slogan “7 Days – 7 Locations,” lectures, art installations, talks from witnesses, films and exhibitions have been held at the original Berlin locations of the revolution. Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate has been the setting for an art installation featuring around 30,000 ribbons with people’s wishes, hopes, and memories, combined into a 150-meter long “freedom cloud.” To mark...