Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Berlin Wall

Berlin has played a pivotal roll in modern history. After World War II, Germany was divided by the Americans, British, French and Soviets. Although Berlin is located in East Germany, the capital was divided by the Allies. West Berlin became a democratic island in communist East Germany. Many East Germans realized that they could have a much better life in West Germany. Berliners would simply move across the dividing line into West Berlin. To stop the hemorrhage of talent, intelligence, and lost potential of 'good workers', East Germany decided to construct a wall. No warning was given and the day that it went into effect, 40,000 soldiers holding barbed wire formed a barricade that split the city in half. Although billed to "keep the evil capitalist influence out", the wall was really constructed to keep East Germans in. The wall severed the city, people were cut off from their jobs, families, friends, lives and in some cases forced to live lives they did not choose. The wall itself is not that impressive, prefabricated concrete slabs. It was the death strip between the wall and second wall on the East Germany side that made it dangerous. Checkpoint Charlie became the site of a Cold War showdown/pissing contest between the Soviets and America.

The wall was torn down November 1989 in an event that I wish I had been old enough to remember. A city divided has been unified but it is still trying to grapple with its turbulent past and discover itself today. It is dynamic and exciting. Tons of building projects are being done and the search for self discovery is reflected in the architecture. During my stay, I was inspired to go on a modern history crusade because I realized how much I don't know about the events that are still shaping today. Berlin is an interesting city to visit. I consider myself more of a country girl so I'm not going to lie, I was more than happy to leave the huge metropolitan center. Berlin though, check it out. And go on a Sandeman's New Europe Free Walking Tour (not really free as you are expected to tip the tour guide - but you tip according to what you think it was worth and they have them in several cities across Europe). History will come alive as you walk the same streets that world leaders and movements have walked and stand by landmarks associated with incredible world events. Really quite exciting.

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