Brandenburg Gate

In a casual remark on the evening of 9 November 1989, SED official Günter Schabowski announced the introduction of new travel regulations. The party leadership hoped that this would contain the protests and stop the ongoing exodus. One hour later, Western television stations were announcing the news: “GDR opens borders”. Citizens of East Berlin thronged to border crossings at the Wall within the city, and on the same evening they forced the opening of the border.

People from West Berlin also gathered in large numbers at the Wall. Although there was no border crossing at the Brandenburg Gate, thousands of people were drawn to this symbol of the division of Germany and Europe. People climbed onto the Wall, which was around three metres high, and began to demolish it with hammers and chisels. Eventually, the border troops withdrew and, for the first time in 28 years, people were able to stroll freely through the columns of this prominent landmark.

What had seemed impossible that morning, was now a reality. The Wall fell, and the people danced. These scenes of jubilation were broadcast around the world.