On 9 November 1989 the Berlin Wall came down. Since 1961 the Wall had divided a city and became a symbol of the Cold War. The fall of the Wall has been cited as one of the most historically significant events of the late 20th century. The few links we have gathered and reviewed here will be useful to students of History (especially Senior Cycle - Realignment 1945 - 1992) and CSPE.
Der Spiegel - 20 Years After the WallEnglish version of the German magazine. Some great articles on the Wall, including:
How the end of East Germany began;
A photographer's two year hike along the wall;
How Poland and Hungary led the way in 1989;
The peaceful revolution in Leipzig;
The day the Wall was born;
East Germany, up close and personal.
Encyclopaedia Britannica (Accessible through the Schools Broadband Network)
Short but excellent article on the Wall with images and video. Includes footage President Kennedy's famous speech at the Wall.
The Berlin WallPage of notes - perfect for students - giving information on background; construction; measurements and fall.
British PathéWonderful primary source material features 29 film clips relevant to the Wall. Be sure to look at the famous speech by US President Kennedy. British Pathé material is used extensively in TV history programmes.
Guardian Interactive on the Berlin WallA historical journey to the Berlin Wall through the memories of those whose lives were shaped by it. What was life like on both sides of the city and how did some people escape from east to west. And, of course, why did the wall eventually fall?
Time Magazine - The Berlin WallA series of 17 iconic pictures associated with the rise and fall of the Wall from Time Life. Each photo is accompanied with a short description. Captivating study.
Iron Curtain Kid
Personal impressions of life behind the iron curtain from someone who
grew up in East Germany in the 70's and 80's. Very funny and touching.
Timeline of the Cold WarStraightforward page of dates and events from the Yalta Conference in 1945 to the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.