Berlin Wall

Berlin Map 1961: Berlin Wall

German history has many interesting aspects. One that I specifically find intriguing is during the 20^th century in 1961 when the Berlin Wall went up blocking off all traffic to and from West Berlin by the Soviet Union. This wall changed the lives and freedoms of many of the people living in Berlin, both positively and negatively.

East Berlin community began to improve under the communist system. Health care facilities improved and they were provided with free public transport throughout East Berlin. Jobs increased allowing the people to receive pay, better food, and rent. All of the people were treated equal regardless of their education and financial stability in this communist side of Berlin. Production companies and factory output also increased. This was critical for emergency situations and the demand for products. East Berlin was proud of their fairness to the people and their many achievements, unlike what they saw from the capitalist West Berlin. They felt their communist ideas prevented crime and violence because everyone was equal and there was no competition. There was no feeling of greed, jealousy, or ambition, leaving no reason to fight.

Citizens of East Berlin displaying the loss of their freedom
due to the construction of the Berlin Wall by the Soviet Union

East Berlin did absence many important freedoms such as the ability to vote and the freedom of speech. The citizens were not allowed to leave East Berlin and travel to the West. Although life styles improved, they did not enjoy the feeling of being trapped. There was also surveillance everywhere so they had very little privacy in the spaces they were allowed to be. The working people, which included everyone, also had no drive to work hard because everyone was paid the same. Also with such a large population and lower income, it lead to a very poor country. The government, controlled by a dictator, ran all business and owned all land. Citizens living in East Berlin had everything, just were limited amounts.

Brandenburg Gate: Built in the late
18th century, the gate symbolizes the
 tumultuous history of Europe and
Germany. 

West Berlin had different kinds of freedom than East Berlin. West Berlin were allowed movement between West Berlin and West Germany, but there were not allowed to vote in federal elections. They could stand for election though.

The fall of the Berlin Wall, reuniting all of Berlin, East
and West accepting on another with open arms

The Berlin Wall finally came down November 9, 1989 because thousands of East Germans barged the gates, demanding them to be opened. The East were met on the other side by the West carrying flowers and champagne to begin a celebration of reuniting that lasted for days. They celebrate this particular day today. This unification allowed West Berlin and East Berlin to unite as the city of Berlin, joining the Federal Republic as a state along with the rest of East Germany, erasing West Berlin and East Berlin completely. 

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Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Luther believed that people can't earn their
way into heaven by giving money to the
Church, but by accepting Gods grace.

Germany’s cultural norms have been challenged by many great thinkers. One very influential person goes by the name of Martin Luther. By writing his ninety-five theses he had a great impact on the German-speaking world. Although he never intended to cause the revolution with the release of his beliefs, he forever changed the course of German history by taking a risk.

Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five these to the door of the Wittenberg church, publicly stating his arguments against the catholic church and firm beliefs that he believes they are unethical. He also used tools such as the printing press to spread his ideas to everyone, which according to the video Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary, was very similar to post something on the internet today, is was the fastest way to spread the word.

Martin Luther nailed his 95 these to the Wittenberg church door.
It listed 95 arguments up for debate about Church practices,
most importantly the sale of indulgence.
 

Luther didn’t expect the reaction that he received from his actions because he felt that he was just taking a stand for those that believed that same things he did, but wouldn’t stand up and say it alone. Most were angry with him for posting his ninety-five theses, but he did also receive support from some, shouting “Long live Luther.” A major supporter of his beliefs was Fredrick the Wise. He believed that Luther didn’t try to cause an uproar, he was only trying to share his beliefs to the people. By doing this Luther made people feel more comfortable with discussing their own beliefs on the corrupt Catholic religion.

Fredrick the Wise, Luther's
biggest supporter 

I find the Reformation to be a very interesting time in German history because I am Catholic but my mom is Lutheran. Attending CCD as a child I used to learn about it during class on Saturday’s. Luther changed the idea that Christians were only allowed to be Catholic. He didn’t want ones relationship to be something that you had to pay for and were forced to believe in. Luther believed that one’s relationship with God should be on a more personal and intimate level, not full of paying taxes for expenses such as parades and fancy amenities for the pope.

Luther eventually established his own Lutheran church with the support of the German princes. He gained their respect and support by translating the New Testament into German, making the scripture easily accessible to all. Without the work of Luther, our religious views would still be so narrowly focused and we would not have the religion diversity and acceptance for it as we do today. 

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