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This November marks the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. On November 9th, 1989, the border separating East and West Berlin came down. It was more than the end of a wall. It was a turning point in history, a moment when hope overcame oppression and unity overcame division. This article showcases a variety of collections capturing the moments around this big and historic event.
The Berlin Wall: A Symbol of Division
Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War. It physically divided East and West Berlin, separating families and friends. The wall stretched for 155 kilometers, fortified with barbed wire and watchtowers. It was dangerous for East Germans to cross into the West. Many faced imprisonment or even death if caught. The Wall divided families, friendships and communities, forcing people to live under opposing ideologies.
For 28 years, the Wall was a powerful symbol of the tensions between the capitalist West and the communist East. It was a daily reminder of how deeply ideology can divide lives and nations.
The Night It All Changed
By 1989, change was sweeping Eastern Europe. East Germans were ready for freedom and reunification. Peaceful protests grew. Many fled to Western embassies in search of a way out. Then, on the night of 9 November, East German secretary for information in the committee of the SED Günter Schabowski mistakenly announced that travel restrictions would be lifted immediately. Berliners rushed to the Wall. Overwhelmed guards let them through, and the jubilant crowd began to tear it down, piece by piece. People who had been separated for years embraced and celebrated. They imagined a new future.
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Life on the inner-German border
Fall of the Wall and Reunification
The last GDR Council of Minister
Remembering the Legacy
Today, fragments of the Wall stand as memorials around the world. They remind us of the pain of division and the joy of unity. As we mark 35 years since that monumental night, we honor the courage of those who fought for freedom. We celebrate the hope for a world without barriers - a world of peace and unity.
The fall of the Berlin Wall teaches us that even the strongest walls can come down. This anniversary calls us to commit to a future free from division, standing together in unity and freedom.
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Our offer for you
As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, we invite you to explore our specially curated collections and archive content that vividly capture this historic moment and its impact on the world. Our picture desk team has meticulously selected images that bring to life the resilience, hope, and unity that emerged from this pivotal time. These images are available for use in all your visual projects, offering a powerful way to honor the legacy of a moment that transcended borders and inspired a global movement for peace and freedom. Visit our archives to relive the history and let these images enhance your storytelling.
