A Change for Hope
The events of the Berlin Wall served as a stimulant for change, eventually becoming a symbol of resistance and hope for reunifcation.
I. Speaking out to make a difference
Resistance movements sparked a beginning of new change throughout Germany.
A Lebanese businessman, Edmond Khayat, carried a 85-pound wooden cross to protest the Berlin Wall, courtesy of LIFE magazines.
A crowd of young West Berlin citizens protesting the newly constructed wall, courtesy of LIFE magazines.
Leipzig - The city of new change
In the East German city of Leipzig in 1989, citizens gathered weekly to protest, demanding democratic reforms and freedom. As what started with a small group of citizens, it grew significantly in size ultimately reaching to upwards of 100,000s of citizens and influencing other German cities.
Over 100,000 East German citizens peacefullyu gathered at Leipzig's central Karl-Marx-Platz, courtesy of DW-TV.
Inspired by the Leipzig protests, thousands of East German citizens gathered in East Berlin to peacefully protest, courtesy of DW-TV.
"The Wall will fall, belief in freedom will bring it down"
- Willy Brandt, West German Chancellor
II. The Wall Comes Down
The Fall of The Berlin Wall symbolized a victory for Human Rights and Freedom
November 9, 1989
During a press conference on Novemeber 9, 1989, Gunter Schabowski, a spokesman for the East German Communist Party, was asked by a reporter about when the new travel regulations that allowed free travel possible between East and West Berlin would take effect.
"That comes into effect, according to my information ... immediately, without delay."
- Gunter Schabowski, East German spokesman
Gunter Schabowski announcing the border opening during the infamous press conference, November 9, 1989, courtesy of DW-TV.
Riccardo Eherman, the reporter who asked Gunter Schabowki the question, courtesy of DW-TV.
A crowd of West Berliners at the Berlin Wall watching East German border guards tear down a piece of the wall, November 11, 1989, courtesy of USA Today.
A West Berliner breaking pieces of the Berlin Wall with his hammer, November 12, 1989, courtesy of USA Today.
Berliners crowd and celebrate the newly opened border, November 10, 1989, courtesy of USA Today.
"As the Berlin Wall fell, it wasn't just a physcal barrier that came down, but an entire way of life-a way of thinking."
- Thomas Friedman, The New York Times journalist
Two young Berliners chisel pieces of conrete from the Berlin Wall, November 11, 1989, courtesy of USA Today.
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