Following World War II, Germany was divided by the Soviet Union, United States of America and the United Kingdom. France was also offerred a share of the former Nazi state. Because of differing political views, the USSR would not allow their area to be democratically governed. Hence, the development of East and West Germany. Likewise, the capital, Berlin, was divided into East and West Berlin. Effectively, the city was one, but governed by two very different forms of government. In 1961, East German authorities closed the border between East and West Berlin literally overnight, in fear of Western influences. Many people were separated from their families and work commitments. The barbed wire fence was soon replaced by two concrete walls (one on each side of a street). Anyone caught in between these walls was shot on site.

The photograph above shows one of the streets where the wall once stood. It is now used as a road once more. Note the architectural styles of the building on the left (East Berlin) and on the right (West Berlin). The monument on the right is a symbol of reunification.

The wall eventually came down with the collapse of Communism in 1989. People were reunited with family and friends 28 years after the wall was erected. Certainly reason to celebrate.



Berlin's history dates back nearly 800 years. Hence a stroll around the city is full of architectural wonders. Although most of West Berlin has been rebuilt, a walk through the streets of East Berlin is full of surprises like the Pergamon museum and horrifying reminders with bullet holes in the buildings of the Jewish quarter.

Berlin is a positive symbol of the human spirit!


Remaining sections of the Wall.