Herbys Cards & Gifts

The Fall of the Berlin Wall on 9th November 1989 foreshadowed the fall of the Iron Curtain - a division between east and west - set up by the Soviet Union following World War II. This was a pivotal moment in the history of the world and lead to the fall of communism in central and eastern Europe. The Wall itself was erected in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to divide Berlin and establish a border between East and West Germany. The GDR referred to it as the Anti-Fascist Protection Rampart whereas the West Berlin city government called it the "Wall of Shame".

The construction of the wall started in August 1961 and the design included guard towers and a wide area - later referred to as the "death strip" - which featured anti-vehicle trenches and beds of nails. In reality , the Wall prevented the movement of citizens from East Germany into West Germany and in particular divided families. Thousands of people attempted to cross the border from East to West - not the other way and many were shot in the process. Many attempts were made 

The end was first preceded by the Solidarity Movement in Poland and the removing of the border fence between Hungary and Austria. In addition the build up of political pressure by the people via demonstrations and particularly the anti-government 4th November 1989  Alexanderplatz Demonstration lead to the announcement to allow refugees to exit East Germany freely. 


Know Someone Born in 1989?


                                           


                                           


                                               


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