Germany Celebrates: 60 Years of the Federal Republic of Germany, 20 Years since the Fall of the Wall

Trabbis on their way to the west Enlarge image Trabbis on their way to the west (© picture-alliance / dpa) During these decades the young Federal Republic allied itself with the western democracies and the student movement brought about lasting changes in German political culture and society, Willy Brandt made possible the opening towards the east with the slogan “change through rapprochement” and the end of the Iron Curtain finally became a reality as a result of GDR citizens’ longing for freedom and the reform movements in the Soviet Union and eastern Europe.

The Fall of the Wall on 9 November 1989 Enlarge image The Fall of the Wall on 9 November 1989 (© Bundesbildstelle)

Twenty years after the fall of the Wall, Berlin is the creative and vibrant capital of reunited Germany. It is almost impossible now to see where the Wall once divided the city – and yet those who wish to do so can still succeed in finding its traces. History remains alive in Berlin-Mitte – for example, at Checkpoint Charlie, probably the most famous border crossing, where the Wall Museum informs visitors about the division of Berlin, or on the Berlin Wall Trail, the path that runs along the former border installations. This historical turning point has also provided diverse material for German authors to write about. The peaceful revolution and unification are themes that give rise to exciting memories, tragic romances and grand panoramas.
Konrad Adenauer signs the Basic Law as President of the Parliamentary Council Enlarge image Konrad Adenauer signs the Basic Law as President of the Parliamentary Council (© picture-alliance/ dpa) Reunited Germany is built upon the foundation laid by the Parliamentary Council on 23 May 1949 with the signing of the Basic Law. Germany’s constitution consists of 146 Articles, which define the 19 inalienable basic rights and the country’s federal structure. It begins with the Preamble that underlines the “determination to promote world peace as an equal partner in a united Europe”.
If you would like to find out more about Germany’s historical turning points, the current issue of Deutschland magazine offers an overview of six German decades, interviews with Federal Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries and the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, opinions from renowned witnesses of those times, essays and information about forthcoming events.