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Following WWII, Germany was divided between the four major Allied powers (Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France, USA). The capital city of Berlin was also divided into four sections. The three western Allied countries were in favor of reconstruction plans to help Germany become a self-sustaining country, but the Soviet Union would not agree. This led to the later development of the German Democratic Republic (east Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (west Germany).
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The Berlin Wall went up almost overnight, separating families and friends. Berlin Wall video
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Pro-democracy demonstrations were held throughout east Germany. The protestors called for open borders and true democratic elections. this is demonstrated in their slogan "Wir sind das Volk" (we are the people). This slogan changed to "Wir sind ein Volk" (we are one people) when the demonstrations began demanding reunification. Monday Demonstrations webpage
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Following pressure from citizens and leaks in the Iron Curtain, the borders between East and West were opened allowing East German citizens free travel to west Germany.
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In 1990, the BDR joined the FRG to form the unified Germany we are all familiar with today. Reunification is celebrated each year in Germany. The year 2020 marks the thirty year anniversary of reunification.
