The Berlin wall was continually upgraded and re-enforced over its 28 year history. By the 1980s it had become a fully fledged killing machine. Widened and heavily fortified, running down the centre is a central kill zone known as the “Death Strip”. Vehicle blockers, called Czech Hedgehogs, prevent any kind of vehicle from smashing through. A border force of 14000 guards keep 24-hour watch, with 302 observation towers giving snipers a direct line of sight to the death strip. Guards have orders to shoot on sight.
This is the true horror of the Berlin Wall.
But by November 1989 the nightmare is over. East German officials, under huge political pressure, announce that the border between East & West Berlin will be opened for the first time in 28 years.
On the evening of the 9th of November thousands of Berliners descend on the wall. In an incredible scene, ordinary people start tearing down the wall. The East German guards behind simply look on, unsure what to do. Berlin descends into mass celebration.
Amongst the revellers is a 17 year-old college student called Wolfgang. He and his friends have been celebrating through the night and in the morning he’s handed the flag of a unified Germany.
In an iconic moment, he’s photographed holding it aloft. It’s an enduring symbol of freedom.
The brutal wall that divided families, destroyed and robbed East Germans of their basic liberty was no more.
0 Comments