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19th Anniversary of German Reunification: The Berlin Wall Fell

by Jordan Yerman | October 2, 2009 at 09:11 am

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October 3 marks the 19th anniversary of the German reunification. On October 3, 1990, Tthe German Democratic Republic (East Gemrany) joined the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany), and the Deutsche Mark replaced the East German Mark as East Germany's official currency. The process was known as die Wende (the Turning Point). Most of us remember this as the time the Berlin Wall fell.

The newly-reunified Germany then formalized its eastern border with Poland as permanent, giving up any prior claims to the East Prussia region.

Celebrations have already started, including a street-theatre performance involving giant marionettes.

The 7.5-meter (25-foot) wooden doll hanging from a crane and clad in a bright yellow rain slicker and hat launched her search Friday with the help of dozens of handlers and puppeteers.

Her 15-meter (49-foot) partner is to emerge from an inner-city harbour Saturday. The two will make their way along separate routes through Berlin before eventually uniting.

Also, the Hillel's Angels and Eurobiker motorcycle clubs began a two-wheeled toru through Germany:

The group set off on "an excursion on two wheels" through towns key to 500 years of national history ahead of the 19th anniversary on Saturday of the day West Germany and East Germany became one country again.

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Uwe Paschen

at 09:33 on October 2nd, 2009

The sad part is that is was more like a take over rather then a reunification.

The East is still regarded as second class Citizen today and the west is still snobbish toward the east.

The wall coming down was a great event, however, the reunification was a butchered job that totally ignored the will and vision of the East.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 14:34 on October 2nd, 2009

Paschen several years of Communist indoctrination and the lack of a real economy have caused this resentment. Infrastructure in the East stopped just after 1948. Of course there is resentment. I talk to people daily that are still paying the Eastern surtax that was to last 10 years.

Uwe Paschen

at 19:00 on October 2nd, 2009

You talk about Communist indoctrination with out even questioning the Capitalist indoctrination.

If any one knew the evil of both best it was the East German them self. Why today many regret this Unification and why the Left is gaining rapidly in the East.

I was against this reunification in 89 and rallied against it actively. It was not the idea we where opposed to, but rather the way it was done, with out consulting the people and their will. The constitution should have been reviewed and voted on by referendum, it was done with out respect nor where the methods very ethical that the West used.

The way it was conducted lacked Democratic transparency and ideals. So much for Western indoctrination.