2 of 16

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Soviets trying to match and exceed, had taken its toll on the Soviets, causing many economic problems. The Soviets could no longer throw money and troops into ideas like the Warsaw Pact and the Iron Curtain. Reagan stood on the West side of the Berlin Wall and said in a speech, "Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" This was the beginning of the end for the Berlin wall.

In 1989, the Hungarian government opened its borders and allowed German refugees to cross. This is seen as the end of Soviet domination over Germany. Early in November East Germany had a dilemma. Their people wanted new freedoms, and with talk of opening the border between the Germany's they had to do something before there was a revolt. Hardliners in the government prepared for possible crackdown or even a coupe. None of which happened. Then on November 9th 1989 people crowded the wall and started to chip and pull sections to the ground. The falling of the Berlin wall, a symbol of Soviet domination, became the symbol of the end of Communism in Europe. 1989 ended years of oppression.

The wall took almost 20 years to complete. In the end it was almost 96 miles long with over 300 towers and contained over 20 bunkers. The wall consisted of miles of razor wire, mine fields and trenches surrounded the wall, making it one of the most impossible borders to cross. During the years that the wall was in place, up to 200 people were killed and 200 injured. Some claim as many as 1200 people died; however, the closeness of the East German government prevents history from knowing the truth. The Berlin wall, this symbol of oppression should not be forgotten.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

Learn more about this author, Jimmy Mcgregor.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about The history of the Berlin Wall?
We want to hear your view. Write now!