berlin segregation

  • so it begins...

    east and west berlin is officially separated as the zonal boundary is closed off by east germany.
  • as opportunity passes...

    Brandenburg Gate is closed.
  • as terror reigns...

    the barbed wire is being replaced with concrete bricks.
  • no way out...

    all checkpoints used to cross over are officially closed down.
  • the west is done for...

    All crossing points closed for West Berlin citizens.
  • so goes another...

    to ensure that no one makes it past the border, another wall is built.
  • the public display of dominance...

    an 18 year old boy is shot and publicly bled to death.
  • the president has an announcement...

    american president john f Kennedy, goes to Berlin and says the words "Ich bin ein Berliner." which translates to "i am a Berliner"
  • we have company...

    John F Kennedy announces “Ich bin ein Berliner.” which translates to 'i am a Berliner.'
  • its as if one wasn't enough...

    a third wall is constructed to replace the first.
  • the strings are strained...

    East and West Germany establish diplomatic ties.
  • til death does us part...

    the border agents were told to not be afraid to use weapons or lethal force on those who try to escape... including women and children.
  • so it lives...

    an official third wall is constructed, but with touch sensitive technology that opens fire on whatever triggered it. the most infamous name is ‘Stutzwandelement UL 12.11’
  • help might be too late...

    Ronald Reagan demands the wall to be torn down.
  • the final sacrifice...

    the final life lost from the wall is named Chris Gueffroy.
  • a true advancement...

    Hungary removes border restrictions with Austria.
  • as the window of opportunity closes

    the Hungarian government lifts the border restrictions, allowing over 13,000 east Germans to escape to Austria.
  • the chance of a lifetime...

    the government finally allows passage between east and west Germany, and in the rush to leave, the walls start to be disassembled.
  • as hope arises...

    the brandenburg gate is opened.
  • together at last...

    Germany is formally reunited.