Today’s Doodle celebrates the Reunification of Germany, which occurred 29 years ago on this date in 1990. Following the end of World War II, Germany split into East and West Germany, two separate European countries with a shared language and culture but different systems of government. The most famous symbol of this division, cutting through the former capital city, was the Berlin wall.
Constructed in 1961, the wall stood as a literal barrier between East Germany’s communist DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) and West Germany’s capitalist BDR (Bundesrepublik Deutschland). But toward the end of the ’80s, as the European Cold War fizzled out, reunification seemed inevitable. The people of Germany spoke out loud and clear, from journalists to graffiti artists, calling for unity from both sides. The writing was literally on the wall.
In 1989, East Berlin’s government officials announced that they were considering a change of policy to allow free crossing, effective immediately. Berliners on both sides wasted no time taking matters into their own hands: they began chipping away at the stone and concrete with hammers and picks. With the wall damaged and partially demolished, millions moved across the border within just a few days, reuniting with friends and loved ones long divided by political events.
Official policy switched one year later. Eventually, the graffiti appeared prophetic. The wall was almost completely destroyed, and the two countries again became one. Today Germans celebrate reunification. Feasts and picnics are common, as well as a festival with live bands and food in Berlin by the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of division that’s now symbolic of unity.
Happy Reunification Day, Germany!
Doodle by guest artist Axel Pfaender.
03.10.2018-Wednesday-புதன்-Doodle by Guest Artist Axel Pfaender-German Reunification Day 2018-PNG.
Today’s Doodle celebrates the Reunification of Germany, which occurred 29 years ago on this date in 1990. Following the end of World War II, Germany split into East and West Germany, two separate European countries with a shared language and culture but different systems of government. The most famous symbol of this division, cutting through the former capital city, was the Berlin wall.
ReplyDeleteConstructed in 1961, the wall stood as a literal barrier between East Germany’s communist DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) and West Germany’s capitalist BDR (Bundesrepublik Deutschland). But toward the end of the ’80s, as the European Cold War fizzled out, reunification seemed inevitable. The people of Germany spoke out loud and clear, from journalists to graffiti artists, calling for unity from both sides. The writing was literally on the wall.
In 1989, East Berlin’s government officials announced that they were considering a change of policy to allow free crossing, effective immediately. Berliners on both sides wasted no time taking matters into their own hands: they began chipping away at the stone and concrete with hammers and picks. With the wall damaged and partially demolished, millions moved across the border within just a few days, reuniting with friends and loved ones long divided by political events.
Official policy switched one year later. Eventually, the graffiti appeared prophetic. The wall was almost completely destroyed, and the two countries again became one. Today Germans celebrate reunification. Feasts and picnics are common, as well as a festival with live bands and food in Berlin by the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of division that’s now symbolic of unity.
Happy Reunification Day, Germany!
Doodle by guest artist " Axel Pfaender ".