Main content

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

Kirsty Wark is joined by historical witnesses to recall their memories of the day the Berlin Wall came down and paved the way for a reunified Germany.

On 9 November 1989, history was made as thousands of East Berliners surged through the checkpoints, marking the fall of the Berlin Wall - an event that not only signified the end of the Cold War but also paved the way for the reunification of Germany.

For nearly three decades, the Berlin Wall had divided East and West Berlin, an embodiment of the Iron Curtain that separated Europe. The fall of the Wall was preceded by widespread political changes and public protests across Eastern Europe, reflecting a growing demand for freedom and reform.

Part of what led to this historic moment was a miscommunication during a press conference by G眉nter Schabowski, an East German official, who mistakenly announced that border crossings would be opened. This announcement, broadcast on live television, prompted a rush to the border, where overwhelmed and unprepared guards eventually allowed people to pass freely into West Berlin.

The ensuing scenes of jubilation were broadcast around the world. East and West Berliners clambered atop the Wall, embracing, celebrating, and chipping away at the concrete barrier that had separated them for so long. The fall of the Berlin Wall became a powerful symbol of the triumph of freedom over oppression.

Kirsty Wark speaks to Georg Mascolo, a journalist who witnessed the moment the first gate was opened; Jens Reich, an opposition leader; Tim Eisenlohr, one of the youngest activists in the reform movement; Andr茅 Herzberg, a GDR-critical musician; Birgit Schlicke who witnessed the fall of the wall while incarcerated as a political prisoner; and Christine Bartels who lived right next to the border and could see the so-called death-strip from her window.

Producer: Ilona Toller
Series Producer: David Prest
A Whistledown production for 麻豆官网首页入口 Radio 4

Available now

57 minutes

Last on

Fri 13 Sep 2024 09:00

Broadcasts

  • Sun 8 Sep 2024 10:00
  • Fri 13 Sep 2024 09:00

The Reunion - Eight incredible moments from modern history told by the people who were there

The Reunion - Eight incredible moments from modern history told by the people who were there

What happens when The Reunion brings together people to relive moments of modern history?

A full list of the re-published episodes

A full list of the re-published episodes

To mark the 200th edition of The Reunion, 28 editions have been re-published.

Best of The Reunion

Best of The Reunion

A selection of the best editions of the programme.