German reunification - a short history | DW Documentary

The fall of the Berlin Wall changed the course of history overnight. But German Reunification was never a guarantee. The situation could have spiraled out of control at any moment. Find out more in 2 + 4 + X: A SHORT HISTORY OF GERMAN REUNIFICATION.
West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl took advantage of the chaos during this turbulent time. His 10-point plan paved the way for the reunification of a divided Germany - but this was done behind the backs of the Allied Forces. Those who witnessed the events tell the story of the “2+4” negotiations and rocky road the world took to reunite the GDR with the West.
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[@werdw4849]

I remember watching this with my father and crying in joy with him when the wall came down it is still one of the most important moments in my life.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

I'm sure it was. I was 12 when this was all happening. We Americans never thought it would ever happen but it did.

[@olexandrs6639]

just imagine being a polish government in early 1990th. excuse me, so called "polish" government: united Germany emerged on your WEST border in 1990 united Ukraine with over 1 million active servicemen and nukes emerged on your EAST border. both have territorial claims to lands controlled by polish government. pretty nervous pretty nervous.

[@reneegiese6315]

Олександр С So what? Poland and Germany are allies now. One day Ukraine will join NATO. So what?

[@Flex2212]

@@olexandrs6639 Most polish people are only nervous thinking about Russia.

[@ferdinandsiegel4470]

@@ChristopherSobieniak I left West Berlin in Oct. 16 1979. The soldier who was taking me to Tegel asked me what I thought about. I told him that I give the wall 10 years and it will come down.

[@timm9631]

I was an American student living in Munich in 1989-1990. I remember watching the wall come down, and I wept tears of joy. I had visited East Berlin in September 1986 and had a just a small sense of what life must have been like there. When the border was open, the possibilities were endless! What a time to be alive, what a time to be living in Germany!

[@shananagans5]

It was a bizarre political time. I was a student in New Mexico. There was a group of Soviet scientists living in my appt complex. They were working on a joint nuclear project with the US. They had rented the entire top floor of one of the buildings for the Soviet team to live in. The were allowed free run of the courtyard and pool area but they had guards posted at the exits. They were prisoners inside an American appt complex. The USSR collapsed while they were here and, suddenly, the game was over. Overnight, there were 70 +/- Soviet scientists, security guys, translators etc in limbo. I had gotten to know one of the translators and she ended up moving in with me. It took her about 2 years to get US citizenship. Of the nuclear scientists, roughly half of them stayed in the US and the other half went back to Russia. My roommate was one of just a few that spoke English so she was helping the scientists. It was a crazy few months. The US didn't want nuclear scientists going back to Russia. Those that wanted to go back were pressured to stay and got no help to get back to Russia. They were political pawns stranded in the US.

[@bradcarroll3719]

@@shananagans5 do you think that they just happened to be here at that particular time? lol. It is an embarrassing thought that a large percentage of the U.S.'s nuclear, and especially Space travel scientific community have basically been taken from other countries. Yet the current administration wants to cut educational spending. I certainly hope that my comment didnt come off as rude in any way. I can only imagine what a wonder it must have been to have been present for all of those changes. Im glad you got to personally help someone out who im sure was faced with a terrifying situation. I hope all ended well for your Soviet friends.

[@marinazagrai1623]

Tim...but those people behind the wall couldn't get out as you were able to; I lived in Romania during Communism, and we had the USSR to the North and East, Bulgaria to the South, Hungary/ Yugoslavia to the West...so no escape for someone leaving that country.

[@timm9631]

@@marinazagrai1623 Yes, I know. I visited the Czech Republic, East Germany, Hungary and the Soviet Union during those times. I am not suggesting that I can relate, but I do understand.

[@shep9231]

Indeed sir. it was a glorious time. I was a ten year old living in Berlin at the time... 1989 to 1991. My eyes were opened...

[@danielpenkoff688]

So, on Nov 9, 1989, several things happened to me on that day. I was stationed in Germany with the US Army (near Hanau). I turned 30 on that day, and later that afternoon, I found out that my unit would be deploying to Southern Iraq for Desert Shield/Storm. Fast forward to the present, it is early morning here in Michigan (3-22-20). COVID-19 is a global pandemic with many ill, or have died. At 60, I have witnessed so much in my life. Indeed, an emotional rollercoaster. I pray that all of you are well. Please be safe. Thank you, DW Documentary, for this piece of German history. Peace.

[@leno4313]

Daniel Penkoff have you heared of the tragity that happend in Hanau at the beginning of this year?

[@OfftoShambala]

I remember it too... was surprised after growing up at the end of the Cold War... now, everything I was taught was wrong with communist world, in terms of suppression and lack of freedom, is now taking place in the USA. How did we get here only thirty years later. My kids don’t get it. Even people who grew up during the Cold War don’t seem to get it... but, I’m not too surprised because I don’t recall many of my peers in school paying attention to what we were being taught and when I look back, I signed up for classes in which the topic of the Cold War was part of the curriculum ... I don’t think a lot of kids gave it much thought.

[@axadaxi895]

@@OfftoShambala what was cummunist region like what was the difference

[@turtleguy123r3]

I would love to do an interview with you about your experience in the military at this time!

[@xwormwood]

Let me say this: thank you for your service to the USA, and with this, to my poor, rich, beloved, rightfully hated, forgiven Germany, to Europe, and finally in combination of it all to me. Thanks you for you kind words as well. God bless, dear american brother and comrade. Greetings from Bremen, Germany!

[@jamesr1703]

I was a 17 yr. old German American who was stopped at the border to East Germany in 1983 and ordered to hand over my camera, which was taken by an official, who opened the back and pulled out the film exposing it to the light for kicks. In Nov. 1989, when I heard that the border was opened, I flew to Germany, drove to Berlin and chiseled my own piece of the Wall, which I still have to this day. It was a beautiful day!

[@OfftoShambala]

Cool! I’m in the USA ... it was a momentous occasion for me. Wish I could have gone there then myself.

[@marinazagrai1623]

James...I fled with my family from the Soviet Bloc in the early 80s to come to the US. I was in West Germany in the mid 80s and was afraid of going to see the Wall (after all we went through to get out I had an irrational fear that somethin would happen because I wasn't naturalized then). In '89 when the wall got demolished I cried thinking of all who had been separated and the symbol of oppression that stupid wall represented! Then, the poor Chinese students at Tiananmen Square dying to bring freedom only to lose to the Communists some yrs later - that was a real shame!

[@forzainter72]

@@marinazagrai1623 Tiananmen prevented a civil war, eight hundred million Chinese people have been lifted from poverty since then. The Chinese don't need your crocodile tears, they're doing great.

[@marinazagrai1623]

@@forzainter72 Don’t be so dense…first of all, were you around at the time or are you just spouting the lies you have been told in your precious classes of misinformation? Talk about some Chinese people who have come since the 90s to find out what excatly you are saying, and don’t insult the rest of us with your ignorance!

[@forzainter72]

@@marinazagrai1623 Ehh I've studied Russian for 7 years and conducted ethnographic research in Moscow and Kazan among Tajiks, Uzbeks and Kyrgyz construction workers. I've also traveled multiple times to China and done seminars with Western academics and Chinese policy makers. I have indeed talked to regular mainland Chinese people, who I saw overwhelmingly support their government. My question to you, did the events of 1991 benefit the former Soviet people? Most Russians and Central Asians would disagree and this isn't coming from me, it's in consistent results of polling info from Левада. Tiananmen would have likely resulted in a similar outcome to contemporary Russia. Even many East Germans feel nostalgia for the old socialist system: see Ostalgie.

[@jalijali8448]

The wall fell 10,316 days ago. The wall stood for 10,316 days

[@e.h8097]

T M wow you are rude

[@mikefay5698]

Trump has his Mexican wall, the Zionists have a wailing wall for Palestinians. Stalin wanted a neutral united Germany. The USA wanted a re armed Germany. Austria and Finland agreed with Stalin's compromise. Trotsky would have taken the Red Army all the way to Lisbon. Truly liberating Europe from decrepit Capitalism. The Germans invented Scientific Socialism. Stalin and his successor, Gorbachov set the planet back to endless wars!

[@vulc1]

@@mikefay5698 " Trotsky would have taken the Red Army all the way to Lisbon." You are scaremongering, in reality you have no idea what Trotsky would have done

[@vulc1]

@@mikefay5698 "Stalin wanted a neutral united Germany." Stalin wanted an enslaved Germany and succeeded - to a degree.

[@KingLos95]

I feel like you’ve been waiting years for this moment to write this

[@audiotomb]

My son is an American living in Berlin. As he moved in 2019, I finally got to see him a few weeks ago. What a fascinating city and this documentary brings it all together for me. Shocking how the Soviet side still has drab cell block living. May those families who paid for freedom be made whole.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I like DW docs coz they usually always have an overdub translation so I can be busy doing other things whilst I'm listening.

[@humanforfreedom9583]

Yeah same sometimes I can’t look at screen because I’m at work just listening through headphones

[@keyboarddancers7751]

@RIDIN’ HIGH 5150 chortle!

[@sglim5284]

Agree 100%

[@commonsense31]

Haha exactly I listen when I’m driving

[@keyboarddancers7751]

@@wasim.ahmd. I certainly agree with that approach for movies.

[@taniamans2026]

I am from South Africa and I remembered when that Berlin Wall come down. I am glad it did. Germany is a nation and should be united like they are today. I am extremely proud of the German nation. I think Germany is one of the countries in the world that grow out of pain into a proud nation.

[@jwhiskey242]

Too bad you lost yours to the likes of Malema.

[@tiusernamenabalw]

The rest of us in Europe are however skeptical of anyone country that becomes dominant here (especially ones with such a heavy past). Unfortunately no amount of civilization can change the savage nature of humans.

[@mutshidzirambau4285]

@@jwhiskey242 what do you mean?

[@philiprufus4427]

@@tiusernamenabalw You are talking about the Arminius factor,three Roman Legions Slaughterd in the Teutoberg Forest by a former Roman Auxiliary Officer,who was a German and changed sides. Up until this point he had commanded a unit of German Auxilary Cavalry for the Romans. I have had good German friends but even they have pointed out,'always be wary of us we have a lot in common,but somtimes we go a little crazy.' I am a Brit.

[@dansome3563]

I pray that one day unification of Korea would happen it is possible just as Germany got united

[@jensboettiger5286]

It's harder when one of the countries is a cult.

[@AviationNut]

The problem is that North Korea is not being run by another country, like Germany was being run by Soviet Union, so it was easier to give up. There is no way that Kim Jong Un will ever give up North Korea unless someone assassinates his whole family because if they only kill Kim than the next family member will take over. The only way for North Korea to collapse is to assassinate the leader and his family. But it would be awesome to see the whole Korea united again. Say what you want about America but almost every country that has become Americas friend is prospering, while countries that are friends of Russia or China are struggling really bad. Japan and South Korea have Americans to thank for being free and having successful economies today. If America left South Korea during the war it would look like North Korea looks today. I really hope and pray that Korea can unite as soon as possible.

[@longjiang2005]

中方尊重朝鲜人民的选择

[@marinazagrai1623]

Dan Some...you just don't want it to be like Vietnam...N Koreans won't know what to do if they were to be free...imagine how they have been told all their lives what/how to do and being free is such a foreign concept!

[@uwehansen2915]

for Korea i hope the learn form the big mistake the germans has make in the Progress

[@tibornagy4859]

No mention of Hungary, but it had big role in starting the process by opening its border for east germans to be able to go to Austria.

[@celticlofts]

Absolutely.

[@jonathankovacs1809]

I was going to say the same thing! Germany owes Hungary a great deal not the least of witch is recognition of what we have done and what we have endured for and because of Germany,

[@husman]

absolutely right

[@dirkdriessen1133]

Germans know. Thank you Hungary

[@AKAHEIZER]

@@dirkdriessen1133 that's true, and it's normally always mentioned in all the Documentarys about reunification, I wonder why not in this particular one, I'm sure it's not with bad will. Greetings

[@elvenkind6072]

The fall of the wall was a moving moment here in Norway as well. Europe started growing stronger from that day. I pray that this development continue and that all that have a common Germanic ancestry and shared language, one day can feel as one people.

[@smbeecrochetcreations4372]

My Mom grew up in West Berlin and saw the wall go up. I was with her, in Canada, when she watched the wall come down on TV. There were tears of joy and many phone calls to her friends and family in East and West Berlin. I have visited Berlin a few times now and when I visit the museums and memorials, I struggle to grasp the enormity of what the Wall meant to Berliners and what a great source of joy it was, when it came down!

[@mikefay5698]

A delegation of keen German rose growers asked for the wall to remain as it protected theyre gardens from the East wind and the womens washing lines.

[@shep9231]

I was in Berlin on December 22nd. The things I saw... The things I heard... I don't have the words to describe what it felt like to a ten year old boy who was told by a passing German who was dishing out glass pitchers of beer. "Here you go son. Have a beer and remember this day..." Thirty years later. Here I am and here. I remember...

[@kathycaldwell7126]

What a wonderfully accomplished documentary. Though I think I have a working knowledge of history I learned more detail of the process involved with the unification of the German State.

[@myvirtualpresencefyi]

@Polish Hero Witold Pilecki so put your pants on and work hard at becoming a business-powerful Poland instead of whining about it and wasting time with nationalism, traditional values and hating the gays. Irish reunification will not come about by war nor by moral outrage but by offering a better standard of living under the republic than under Westminster's thumb. The only solution to most problems is just shut up and work hard.

[@matof1428]

@Polish Hero Witold Pilecki Who do you think you are !?

[@scca1408]

@@myvirtualpresencefyi how old are you?. It's incredible that after all the horror of WWs. And all that media is showing about what gays are doing you are saying those things. Nobody was hating gays. Many years before they were having rights , they got pissed when I was asked them "but what type of rights do you want?. The constitution is for all and truth is wether you like it or not that you can't have kids and you might feel as someone but you are not. So how you pretend to teach and rise a future citizen who has to know about the world around and the two gender if he see someone who will have him around that act as opposite to what he is?. If you like to be and live that way is fine but why adopting kids?. That has nothing to be gay or not but to have respect of what belongs to the responsabilities of heterosexual couples. Now if you all are saying "gays born that way". So why not to wait until a kid turned gay so you get those who "born like that". But so far only hermaphrodites born with two sexs and because its something physical they get fix because who likes to be looking as both. So at the end you need to choose one. Same as gays. They need to choose who they like to be but on homosexuals and lesbians and all you always see a "female" and " a man " role even in couples who are gays . Bisexuals to me are just promiscuos people. Who like to try whatever because to them sex is just that so pleasure doesn't have a gender. So please stop with all that as "stop hating gays". I will say . Stop gays to stop forcing heterosexuals to change and created rules so they can feel their problem doesn't exist and help them by cure them or to just tell them to learn to be who they are without bother others under the constitution of all. Same to other religions or people. What in hell are they doing forcing Christians countries to behave and accept other religions in their constitutions? Is their land damnit learn to respect "the people" and the land and principles. Most places who are christians until a group take advantage and start to bother and hate Christians. Look at USA !!!. Great peaceful powerful country . The founders the history and all is in base of Christianity. But the BAD ONES were starting to bother others looking for money and power. Of course they need Christians for that because they all blessed whole they are all in wars and battle instead of learn to leave without being greedy. Unification isn't to take of red hair and put black hairs so they get accepting and now hate whites, and they believing that hate with hate will bring peace. Unification is just respecting your land, your history and whatever is in there. The others are guests so if they don't like some they are really free to go. Christians countries are now filled with who?. Who are now on Christians countries everywhere?. Well that people I'm sure are not Christians. Other wise they wouldn't be obligating people to get vaccines from a virus many with a bit of knowledge and who listening from the whole world and not just the greedy "first world" think , knows this is a genocide to believers . First Bush was stealing from oil USA has the killing of Hussein, Gadafi and the blood of many Christians on the times of Obama. Now all are down and about to going to hell for what you all did . You collaborated with the demon so now for giving the back to God many will die for a vaccine . By China ( he is now the leader in worldwide organizations). So now ...hum yeah you all saw how they are working as the mafia ( as the Nazy times) . Anytime I hear "democracy" I know that person is young , dumb or corrupt. Because the democracy doesn't work for the people but to corrupts. The Pdte and Congress seats are winning by majority of votes not of majority of good reasons to keep the security of the country. Socialism is better but socialism/ liberal. Wich means that the president explain to the people in the country the reasons and maintain the country inform. I think Putin for example is a great pdt. I know that new generations doesn't like him but pretty sure if they were passing and saw what Putin saw when they were not even on plans to come, they would it love him and respect him and even , get scared to loose him . The others are just a bunch of liberals greediest who can't see the time to killed Putin or that he died so they can suck all the money and leave Russia poor again. And also maybe feel ashamed by control of the media as they always used the media as way of control. Russia is the only country who is still good and save to Christians who are doing NOTING to anyone.

[@ferdinandsiegel4470]

I left West Berlin Oct 16, 1979. The person who was taking me to Tegel Airport asked me " After 3 years what do you think?" I told him " I give the wall 10 years and it will be gone."

[@YPO6]

What are the next week 39, 2019 Eurojackpot lottery winning numbers?

[@nefwaenre]

A wonderful, wonderful tribute to the History of Berlin Wall. i'm not German but this definitely brought tears to eyes. Thank you.

[@rr7firefly]

It is clear that Helmut Kohl was the man of the hour. Without his vision and equanimity, reunification would have been delayed and compromised. I actually met Kohl one afternoon in 1990 or 1991, when he visited San Francisco. A luxury bus with German flags came down Columbus Avenue and it stopped close by. Kohl got out, every one of us went wild applauding him. He came to us and shook everyone's hand. He looked as delighted as we were. His hands were enormous (I thought of those insulated barbecue mitts) -- no real surprise because he was a giant (6 feet 4 inches tall).

[@johnbaugh2437]

I agree! It was a confluence of sensible, forward looking people, Gorbachev, Kohl, Bush and the East German leadership. If any other mix of leaders existed, it might have ended in bloodshed. I was in college then, it was exciting to watch.

[@A_annoying_rodent]

And now the reunification chancellor rests in peace...

[@chartreux1532]

+Noe Berengena Helmut Kohl, Helmut Schmidt, Konrad Adenauer but also many other german chancellors from pre-unification times were and still are admired by us germans no matter what political party we vote for now. Adenauer for example was a Social Democrat, but unlike the social democratic party (SPD) today, he did care a lot about our WW2 veterans and helped countless of them to be released from the Gulags of Soviet Russia in the early 1950s. While he was politically a social democrat he had great intuition about what germans care about, no matter their political allegiance. Today neither the Social Democrats nor the Conservatives are what great politicians of their parties used to be, which is why you see more and more germans drift away from these 2 gigantic parties, as both of them live in their bubbles. It's always hilarious to me to see the SPD of today praise Adenauer and Schmidt, yet if both of them were politicians today, the SPD would throw them out of the party. Same with the CDU sadly.

[@michealcormier2555]

I was living in Bitburg, Germany during this time. The fall of the Berlin Wall, The unification of the two Germanies, and the fall of the Soviet Union. Living in Europe from '88 to '92 was an exciting time for me.

[@PhilipModest]

Helmut Kohl was an opportunist who seized the moment to cement his own legacy as the Chancellor who secured German reunification. However, he had very little to do with the events behind the Iron Curtain that eventually created the plinth for him to stick his own head on. You will have to go back to the Gdansk shipyards to find the real heroes of that story. It was their initial struggle that gave their East European neighbours - the people on the streets - the belief that they could force change. West Germany never officially recognised the GDR so, as far as the west was concerned, "reunification" was always inevitable as soon as the Soviet Union lost its grip.

[@markfeldhaus3693]

I was lucky enough to experience both sides of the wall as a Canadian that year. Mother was East and Father was West. Divorced parents but family kept in touch. What a different contrast at that time. East and West. I was 15 and still am shocked at the differences to this day, remembering .

[@TheBuelliganRides]

I was a Berlin Defender from 82-84 (CSC 4/6). You never did we think in our lifetimes we would see the Wass come down. That and this brought tears to my eyes.

[@claytonlonetree7971]

I remember when this happened. I also remember Serge Schmemann. He was the American foreign correspondent in Moscow in mid-eighties. He used to pass by me through the only entry into our embassy either to meet someone or to have a American breakfast or lunch by the Soviet staff. I doubt if he remembers me because I used to greet him everytime I was on that post. He and Nicholas Daniloff. Cool dudes

[@HakunaMatata0054]

Long live Germany Hard working people and really smart.Thankyou for helping my country 🇩🇪🇽🇰 big love

[@gaoxiaen1]

DW does great documentaries. I wrote a college term paper on East-West German reunification for my Poli-Sci class, and a couple of tears later it came true.

[@MrCarl2020]

Germany is the true heart of Europe. Much love from Denmark. I have always loved visiting Germany.

[@TravnickaRobija]

Some of the best documentaries on this channel.

[@DondieGarcia]

One of the most inspiring moments in history. The lessons of which we must never ever forget.

[@ualrdyknowaitiz]

You know what the irony of this is... Germany in WWI was the one that took Lenin from exile and smuggle him back into the Russia and funded the Bolshevik revolution. In an effort to force Russia out of WWI (troops called back to fight civil-war or Lenin pre-agreement with Germany to exit in return for support). Lenin toppled the Tsar Nov-1917 ... then in March-1918 he kept his side of the bargain with Germany by signing the 'Treaty of Brest-Litovsk' and exited wwI. it worked, but it was way too late to save German defeat of wwi. Non-organic clandestine de-stabilization strategies of other nations for short term again of another, always backfires in the long-term lol ask the British and my country (US) .... it always boomerangs back, as the changes were never the will of the people. Unfortunately, it boomerangs back years later by which time attribution is pointless. You can't waste time pointing fingers, when ducking the incoming boomerang is far more important

[@antigen4]

well it was the year that the war debt from WWI was paid off ... funny how that's not mentioned here. MORE than a coincidence i think

[@martingaim]

Exactly, man. #Do not fight on two fronts#

[@philiprufus4427]

@@ualrdyknowaitiz Spot On Chum,you have a good understanding of history Ludendorrf I believe was the plans architect,he was prone to fits,evenThe Kaiser (Czar Nicholis's cousin) thought the plan reckless in the extreme. Many have argued all Russia's problems and many of Europe's over the last hundred years stem from this rash act.

[@erjanaisabay8413]

Vielen Dank! Thank you for the very interesting video. I am happy to witness this historic moment!

[@Oct131917]

In the mid 80's 85 to 86 to be factual I was in high school and made friends with a foreign exchange student from Hamburg in our photography class. I told him near the end of the school year that Germany would most likely reunite before 2000 he laugh and said not in a million years. Too bad we lost contact sure wish I could've seen the look on his face when this did happen.

[@takaetono6773]

imagine it to be a face of disbelief, tears and overwhelming joy.

[@ashleyjojom8507]

Thanks for the documentary🌺

[@guayames]

Part of my history. Spent 13 years stationed in Germany during the Cold War and this days of unification were the most rewarding. But this video proves it was more difficult than many know!

[@denniswelch4908]

Did you ever receive a sincere thank you from a german? Do you know what it is like to be alone in the barracks during Christmas? Germans were only interested in taking our money!

[@journalisten_boy9141]

Where did you live?

[@rosalesefra1211]

Thanks for the great up load.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi Rosales, thx for your compliment! stay safe & tuned, best wishes!

[@johncarter1817]

I was there on 3 October 1990. A joke going around Berlin was "At midnight, Germany reunited...and at 12:30, France surrendered."

[@jeffhershey3591]

sounds about right

[@esmeraldacole7856]

Awesome Documentaries! Thanks.

[@majcorbin]

best choice of viewing time, I made tonight. I lived through these times, but did not learn this in depth coverage. Ich bin stolz auf ihnen

[@manfredamann137]

For me as a German it is good to hear it in english language because this story is a moment of European history. We all are Europeans,,

[@jensboettiger5286]

Except the English, apparently. Perhaps a different language would have been a better choice.

[@davidknowles3459]

@@jensboettiger5286 English is the most spoken language in the World!

[@jensboettiger5286]

@@davidknowles3459 So? I'm talking about all the UK rhetoric about how they're not European

[@jamesfox554]

@@jensboettiger5286Proudly European, just lots of Brits who are skeptics of the European Union

[@TheEliseRodgers]

I really appreciate this particular documentary from @DW Because there are now adults (some almost ~30 years old) who were not yet born, much-less old enough to remember the time of reunification. I think this in-depth documentary, especially the interviews with people who were there & people who were on the frontlines of the decision making with the world leaders at the time, is an important piece of history to be able to show those who are too young too have been there. And, of course, the detail is good for those of us who were alive, but didn’t know everything. This is still a relevant political history effecting more than just Germany today. It’s very interesting to note (and quite relevant to the current world political system, I think) how the politicians talk about and handled money. Particularly the willingness to give monetary grants and loans to the USSR to effect a smooth transition in the withdrawal of the large amount of Soviet army troops from the East. I also caught it mentioned that the News coming out of the transition office was specifically that it would be “petty cash” to Westerners that would flow East - though it seems like people all pretty much knew it would be “more”. They say people grumbled about it, but understood. One thing I would like to know is a little bit more about that - they didn’t get specific with programs or tax names, and didn’t mention distribution, timelines, government or non-government entities. What I remember, is that about 10 years later, circa 2000, there were places in Saxony and Saxony- Anhalt where you would drive to the middle of nowhere to get to your lovely, brand new hotel - but it wasn’t ever near the tourist reasons, or any industry, or anything. The new stuff was plopped down in the middle of nothing- either poor planning, or they hadn’t built whatever else was going to be there yet. Meanwhile, in Halle, there was nowhere to stay, and some of the stores had come back, but plenty was still a mess. Visiting the former east in 2000 (a decade into reunification) still felt almost like a different country to me -coming from life in Eastern Bavaria, when previous tours of the country had been to hamlets on the Rhein near Köln or Mannheim. I’d say it was about 10 years ago now -2009 (2 decades from reunification) that I noticed things up in Mecklenburg area (and especially old Soviet sea ports) catching up to the small towns in the south. A lot of things really seemed to improve for the football world cup in 2006 - Like, that’s when I feel like Leipzig made its biggest comeback, and younger people started moving to Weimar and making it trendy.

[@dorisc8604]

I cry of joy I could believe that it was happening, it was a piece of history was in my time.

[@quasarone3083]

Helmut Kohl must have been thinking "I leave this country for one goddamn minute and suddenly the fucking wall comes down"

[@humanforfreedom9583]

the fact that Britain and France shamefully tried to stop this, and thatcher even spoke about a military option, in the name of stopping a resurgence of “German nationalism”, was absolutely appalling.

[@Qasibr]

I didn’t hear a military option in this documentary (maybe I missed it?). What did Thatcher say?

[@rockinresurrection6542]

It perfectly shows how these two countries were just as nationalistic/imperialistic in their chracters as Germany. Not particulary during that period of history (1980s/90s) but at the beginning of the 20th century - and they still took some character traits from that time with them into a new era. To say that Germany started two world wars is laughable. They might have been mainly responsible for the second one but it was just the aftermath of the mess and unfairness towards the German people (including Austrians here) that was the first WW. France has thankfully changed a lot but sadly not Britain (or in specific: the English)

[@dalebrook27]

@@rockinresurrection6542 how hasn't Britain (or England) changed a lot? I would be interested in hearing your viewpoint.

[@spacetime3]

I have to disagree, it was thatchers experience that had given her doubts of unified Germany. Not to mention 2 of the major countries involved and directly impacted by the wars. Although I agree it was the best decision to unify it would be wrong to paint the whole of Britain and France as a negative force, many civil servants from both countries were involved in the decisions. Russia don't forget was in a financial mess to main the cost east half german too.

[@ianprince1698]

to stop unification at that time would have been like stopping a tidal wave

[@terrywilkinson2806]

Superb. I lived through this but have never had a ful l understanding of it. Thank you!

[@christianleblanc2842]

The most incredible thing I ever saw on live TV except for the Moon landing.

[@Desh19]

Ever wonder why no astronauts ever returned it to the moon with all the technology we have now?

[@LukeLovesRose]

Except that this actually happened

[@scanida5070]

@@Desh19 Because it‘s too expensive. We have got robots now who can do tests and pick up samples…

[@bicyclist2]

I'm glad I got to live during this, and see it play out on TV, even though I was young at the time. Thanks.

[@reganranby3589]

I was 5 months old while all this was going on.. probably having my nappy changed the moment it fell. On the other side of the world here in New Zealand. Fascinating stuff, thank you.

[@nigelrequiem]

Fantastic documentary :)

[@tomdonahue4224]

I was in the US Army stationed in Germany from 1985-1987. When the Wall came down, I was attending college and having a beer at a bar called "Sudsy Malone's," which had it on TV. The cool thing was being in Cincinnati OH, one of the most "German" American cities in the USA.

[@jojosaylor8996]

I can remember watching this on the news late night with my family. I started feeling sad watching the Germans crying while breaking down the wall

[@mattsteinberg16]

incredible video. thanks DW! :D

[@carlbyronrodgers]

Very informative.

[@dirkdriessen1133]

Thatcher: Germany was to agressiv in history History: This coming from a Brit is so funny. Great Humor, this Brits.

[@joelaldodiaz]

Right ? Ain’t that some shit. Ironically after Germany unified it seems as if tho an end to the United Kingdom is nigh.

[@patriciabrenner9216]

Germany has been the agressor for a long time.

[@Salimkarim0]

@@patriciabrenner9216 germany was only agressive during ww2 brits were rhe agressors for like 500 years

[@kayvan671]

@@patriciabrenner9216 Yeah, and the british empire terrorized the earth for 5 Centuries. So whats your point?

[@patriciabrenner9216]

@@kayvan671 much less than the Muslim Empire.

[@blackknight3496]

My brother lived in berlin with his family all his life.he was out of his mind with happiness and i remember my nephew talking about that day" me and clarissa came home from school and there were two guys sitting in our lounge room eating cake and drinking tea Dad said Krishan come and say hello to our German brothers" poignant moment in history which affected even my family ⚘

[@lawrencetomlinson761]

I remember standing on the border between the two Germany's looking at the minefields and guard towers while stationed in Kitzingen and going to the border area with some company support personnel in 1970. I was stunned to see the difference in the lives of Germans looking across that border. At that time I had no idea that reunification would happen as soon as it did. I wish i could have been there when it happened.

[@secretsmysteries8338]

Very well done. My heart swells to see a united Germany even though there are still issues that will always follow the legacy of division and what exactly Germany is supposed to be.

[@jzk3919]

I had a friend, captain of the USAA who regularly worked with his soviet counterpart:Col.Putin on the technical details of uniting the town of Berlin. An awesome guy.

[@gregorystarks2514]

The french and the brits were against the reunification of Germany ! What a bunch of hypocrits . They were afraid to be downgraded and they were !

[@dannelleabajar4703]

The “fraternity kiss” is still a thing to be remembered

[@Cromwelldunbar]

What for being a pear of homos?

[@richcampus]

"...to suddenly give freedom to people... ...that is huge.. "

[@dphillips4351]

I remember serving at Checkpoint Charlie and watching the suppression of the German people in the GDR. I remembered telling my West German girl friend that one day the wall would fall. I didn't realize it would be so soon because she believed it would last forever and West Berlin would be absorbed by the Soviets and I thought she might be right. Loved that women dearly but played my cards wrong and lost her and the one city I truly loved! God has blessed Berlin, Germany, and I hope Sabina? Long live the Federal Republic of Germany!

[@saba6502]

Thank you so much! Your story is truly moving.

[@liveinms9949]

I remember watching on tv I still cry

[@fobbitguy]

Excellent documentary

[@malteser3014]

I'm German and literally crying right now cause it's the best thing to ever happen to us Germans. Awakened out of ruins to Europes most powerfull Country and 4th largest Economy in the World. I remember when my Grandmother told me how happy my Great Grandmother was when it happened cause she was born at the time Germany wasnt split apart and had to leave their Home she lived in a Town today located in Poland

[@mjpc5226]

Germany brought upon their own destruction with the military invasion of their neighbors. It is the German citizenries responsibility to demonstrate that they are trusted.

[@Flowerz__]

@@mjpc5226 they have been doing that for decades now. German is a great ally of many countries I believe. I don’t know much though about this subject I will admit

[@SiVlog1989]

I remember years later my parents said to me that some time before 9th November 1989 that they reckoned that Germany would never reunite, not in their lifetime. Yet, that amazing night blew their resignation out of the water. All thank to Gunther Schabowski for not reading his notes before that press conference and setting the chain of events to culminate in reunification in motion. I have to say, as a Brit, Margret Thatcher was completely wrong with her stance on Germany becoming one nation again. Although there were some who it seems were cautious, it was heartwarming to see such joyous scenes in Berlin when the symbolic moment of reunification took place, the raising of a German flag outside the Reichstag (the modern day Bundestag). I only wish I was old enough to see those events (I was only a baby when Germany became one nation again)

[@ForeverEdsGirl]

My late U.S. Army Soldier/Husband, our sons, and I were on our second overseas tour-of-duty during this time, stationed in Friedberg, (West) Germany at Ray Barracks. We had just visited what was at that time, communist (East) Germany, only a year earlier. My husband had to apply for a security clearance many months in advance that would allow us to travel from the West Germany/American Sector @ Checkpoint Charlie through Checkpoints Bravo and Alpha and ultimately into the East German/Soviet Sector. It was definitely a "teaching moment", indeed in this case, a teaching trip, for our Family. Needless to say, when we visited there we had no idea that the Wall would come tumbling down one year later. We visited The Holocaust Museum, at Checkpoint Charlie, upon our return to the American Sector. That trip was an adventure we talk about to this day and will treasure forever.

[@ForeverEdsGirl]

Our sons were 10 and 12 years of age in November 1989. They are now at 40 and 42 years, with the fondest memories of their years as "Army Brats", both in Stateside and Overseas, spent in Germany, with our last TDY wrapping up in 1990. The Army posts where we were stationed have all been decommissioned, and post housing areas completely razed. We'll forever have our vivid and loving memories of Deutschland and the all the wonderful friends we made there.

[@shivamthakur9362]

Very nice documentary

[@AudioPervert1]

please make a documentary about the east berlin techno and youth movements, pre and post the wall, which was a brilliant spark that set off and spilled over as a mass movement in less than 12 odd years..

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi Samrat B, your proposal is well appreciated and...we are doing sth a bit similar next week: a story about successfull German DJs. Please stay tuned and let us know what you think about it Best regards DW Documentary

[@AudioPervert1]

Yeaa !! that will be great. Dankeschon

[@pirotess2]

East Germany today not much change. Most population is elder people.

[@georgemoraes9697]

Excellent documentary. Congratulations. What is next?

[@sodoffbaldrick3038]

My father turned 21 3 weeks after Germany surrendered. My Grandmother's house was in the Russian sector. At 30 my father immigrated to the US, but my grandmother didn't want to leave her homeland. In 1961 my father flew into West Berlin to move her from East Berlin to the safety of Cologne, because it was clear what was coming. As he flew out on his return trip, passengers could easily spot the 2 sides of the wall coming together, and it was only a few weeks later that access to the West was completely cut off. In October, 1989, he happened to be in Leipzig attending a medical convention, and about 6 months later, he and my grandmother were able to walk to the site of their former home.

[@sh-786.]

I remember the fall of the Berlin Wall like it was yesterday. It was an extraordinary and surreal moment that none of us could have predicted. The air was thick with a mix of joy, disbelief, and a sense of newfound freedom. Families and friends who had been separated for decades were suddenly able to embrace each other on both sides of that concrete barrier. The atmosphere was electric, with people climbing the wall, chipping away at it as if breaking free from years of oppression. The symbolism was powerful, marking the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era for Germany and the world. We were witnessing history unfold before our eyes, and the hope for a united and free Germany became a reality that day. It was a time of celebration, but also a time of reflection on the years of division and the resilience of the human spirit.

[@RidinOnABigCog]

Great documentary, with truthful and well researched views from the interested leaders at the time…

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the positive feedback!

[@angelobugini6771]

German reunification - a short history is a remarkable documentary! I truly did appreciate it so much. Thanks a lot for sharing! Keep it up!

[@Kitty-lj7eg]

The same year of 1989, it was a great historic time to celebrate for Germany but sad for Chinese democracy movement. Many was killed by Chinese Communist Party in June.

[@Dreinsel]

Hi, I am a Chinese and I must admit that this is one of our saddest days, shameful event committed by my country, to kill their own citizens

[@weibinsong3140]

Shame on you, if you are a real Chinese you should know "A son will never blame his mother for her ugliness ". You can do so if you are a Chinese-american, or Chinese-european citizen. But we Chinese will not regard you as our compatriot when you say those things. Shame on you.

[@obfuscated3090]

Democracy eventually degenerates into mob rule or is bought out by political gangster oligarchs are in Russia and much of the US. Chinese success owes nothing to democracy. In the Middle East democracy is nothing but a tool for tribalist savages to get voted into power by their base then oppress everyone else. The masses, anywhere, in any country, are stupid cattle (though telling them that is unwise as they'll naturally attack you for it). This thread was about Germany and Europe, not China, so I'm not sure why you brought an unrelated, irrelevant subject here. Democracy did not unify China, Maoism did. Of course transition ideologies like Communism are no basis for prosperity (they killed the Soviet Bloc economy too) but only that level of ruthless violence is suited to sweep away the rot of warlordism, monarchy and colonialism. Democracy requires hundreds of years of practice AND suitable cultures to work. Democracy is a European invention, not necessarily suited to Asia because all cultures are different. China is prosperous and powerful because its own system WORKS for CHINESE conditions. Elsewhere democracy merely allows the backward masses to elect dictators and parasites. Be careful what you ask for. Europe has many problems China should learn from and avoid. European ideology is fundamentally shaped by fratricide in the world wars. Now what was Europe is being culturally erased by an artifact of the second world war, the idea that only outsiders have worth and economic refugees who come from failed cultures are preferable to those born there. China has the power to CONTROL and MANAGE growth in a vast nation. It has the power to keep out UN-CHINESE, backward influences like religion. Elsewhere superstition is not more than an excuse to exalt humans over one another, frequently followed by killing those whose superstition does not match ones own. China can learn from the stupidity of other nations instead of repeating it.

[@michaelcrawford310]

I like your the first part of your comment, but the middle is a bad choice. They're are nothing with out oil. Democracy, socialism, communism all have traits from the others plus corruption.

[@aenelle7370]

And look at China now - they are a superpower and top economy. It turns out they did the right thing.

[@BenWillock]

21:30 - Gorbachev's choice of coloured pencils and the pattern they made is quite interesting...

[@eprofessio]

I carried a 50 lb piece of the wall home to America. Nothing has been more meaningful to my in my life time than the reunification of the Vador Land. We all watched with the greatest joy.

[@Improj69]

@@user-ji3il6ce2o What country

[@jsbach9848]

My husband and I were away for a weekend, visiting a VERY small town, in what is now the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. We were walking past the town hotel, when I heard the news coverage on the TV that the wall was down. Couldn't believe my ears. We immediately abandoned our walk and sat rooted to the TV for the rest of the day.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @JS Bach, Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience. Best, The DW Documentary Team

[@buritberapi]

i still remember well when i was 2 years old, i saw on tv the wall is broken.... and now its still fresh within my memories.... long live germany

[@21prgary]

I have a whole tour of the wall the day the wall opened up my family, friends, and I went for the historic even and the footage is quite remarkable

[@donalmulvey8743]

Powerful stuff

[@stevendeitrich6933]

I was stationed in West Germany 72-74 .The cold war was not as cold as some people think . The Soviet Union was very hostile toward the West & America especially . I never expected to see that wall come down.

[@doloresvargas6450]

I prayed for reunification.Tony

[@Bergen98]

I was born way after German reunification in 1998. So for me it is still something so weird to learn about: How come we had two (?!) Germanies?! Still, even after reading, watching and talking with people (and even visiting Germany on more than one occasion) - even the idea sounds crazy to me

[@ashleyupshall7641]

Indeed, but the Cold War was a very uncertain and sometimes dangerous world to live in. It really was a different world then and nuclear war was always in the background.

[@daves4449]

I miss these days when the endings felt just and happy and ideas like freedom and equality were more prized. We have somewhat failed to live up to the example that was set.

[@lhaviland8602]

*completely failed

[@jan22150]

And now there is wave of democratic liberals in the US, who want to make the US a socialist country. And Bernie Sanders is their leader. Go figure.

[@jasbarsoph]

Corruption is the new order of business, Politicians now are so much more for themselves than caring for the people who voted them into office, Once in office they develop amnesia and give the electorate the two fingers.

[@odinewing3463]

Whenever I see these events, I always remember Scorpions' "Wind Of Change."

[@ralphnickling7250]

Best comment! So True!

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

Yep!!! Then Roger Water's played Pink Floyd The Wall on the wall...

[@icannotbeseen]

A) same b) the best part of this is that it was released in 1991 but still managed to become the fall of the wall song lol *runs off whistling*

[@RadioactiveSaddam]

What about David Hasselhoff?

[@thegreenbaron6439]

8:50 - 10:50 these 2 minutes, i love how the Germans trolled all other countries by not telling them!

[@n.s.karanth1381]

In one way Mitterand considered to be cunning by double game, but it was a wise and prudent move, which later on proved beneficial to entire Europe

[@juanhinojosa8148]

Excellent

[@darylmakarenko4263]

Amazing story and, an amazing moment in German history.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

I'm a 51 year old American who was born in Heidelberg West Germany. My father was serving in the US Army at that time. My memories of the wall coming down are all from television because I was living in the United States at the time. When I think of the British Army and I think of what would their idea be of how to help people coming across the border, I can't think of anything more British than setting up a tea stand so that everybody could have a nice cup of hot tea to welcome them to the west.

[@RadioactiveSaddam]

Aren't you a German then...?

[@therealuncleowen2588]

@@RadioactiveSaddam No. Both parents were American citizens. Germany does not have birth right citizenship determined by being born there. Dad's tour in Germany ended when I was three, I have only vague memories of our time there although I did return for a visit in 1990 and 1995. I was born and remain an American citizen.

[@rodneywaugh8535]

I was there the night the wall came down....I was stationed in Berlin from 85-89.....at the time......We didn't realize just how big of an event I'm history we were witnessing

[@Yosetime]

I think it is remarkable how Germany recovered from WW2. For the older population who experienced that war, and it's aftermath, it would have been inconceivable at the time that Germany would be what it is today. I think it's important to remind our younger generations now about what happened during that terrible war. And, even more significantly, how Germany recovered to the point that they are now a trusted and valuable country to the world, and they did that without further war or deadly revolutionary tactics. It was civil. It was a signal to the world that true sovereignty of every country is their right and that it can be done peacefully. Something Russia has not learned. I think that had the USSR not been in the middle of a financial crisis in it's motherland at the time of German Reunification, the outcome would have been different. But the USSR at the time was in no position to be in conflict with anyone. And so we witnessed one of the first truly modern and peaceful negotiations the world has ever seen. The fact that this happened in Germany makes it more significant. The Nazi regime had truly been left behind. Importantly, I think what is happening in Ukraine right now is the final blow for Russia. The world is done with communism and Putin's kind of tactics. The international community supporting Ukraine is a symbol of how the people, globally, support peace, sovereignty, and human rights for every country. The USSR fell. Now Russia itself will fall. And I think the Russian people will make better political choices in the future because they will be in control, not the communists.

[@nigeh5326]

Thanks again DW for an interesting and informative documentary on a subject not very well covered in the UK

[@dodopoopinpoop]

Amazing

[@warpig7493]

The history of these people is amazing!

[@TimeTheory2099]

Thanks, Deutsche World 👍 Happy 30th reunion day. ☮️

[@jzk3919]

And now Germans can have Herr.Schnauble steering /oops:stirring!7 the country!

[@charlesbird781]

This was a very thorough and objective documentary, but it understated how this was ultimately the metaphorical conclusion of the World Wars.

[@theartfuldodger5326]

What an impact this event had my 10 year old self-as I'd go onto study German, European history and politics...the living legends you have interviewed-Konrad Jarausch!-and the others-ausgezeichnet und preiswert. Danke, danke, danke, DW.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your perspective on this topic :)

[@Nuerth]

When the reunification celebration took place in Berlin took place was the only time I ever saw my Father cry ~ He never really wanted to leave Germany during the war & never considered America home

[@kariminalo979]

The thumbnail of this video is the front cover of my history book...

[@Satanischer]

You have to laugh at the stereotypical British politician mould guy on here, "Oh Thatcher looked paranoid but she wasn't" ... "Publicly Britain seemed against reunification but privately we were very helpful". As ever, detached from the politics and feelings of the people in their own country and elsewhere.

[@TT_1221]

老笨笨 You are so correct . . . the Brits are always trying to re-write history. The arrogance, ignorance and lies! Ironic that the UK itself is breaking up. It was built on a land grab and I predict that in 10 years - the UK as it is now will not exist.

[@wilhorstman59]

For the second time I will be in Berlin for christmas 17 , 18 . . It gives great insight! Thnx!

[@silverkitty2503]

Mr Gorbachev was such a decent man.

[@geoemm]

Basically, West Germany was very rich with a very strong currency. So they greased the French by helping them form a common currency that would help the French USSR was in turmoil so W.germany gave them a lot of money and brought them to their side The USA, always wanted to be seen as a world leader said yes The always scared Britain had to say yes after all their allies were up for it, and unlike 1945 they don't have much power anymore. It was the perfect storm and the Germans played it well.

[@redwater4778]

East Germans want to be communists again

[@myvirtualpresencefyi]

@@redwater4778 good for them! At least now they can vote for it.

[@akkala_7666]

>> "Basically, West Germany was very rich" > "So they greased the French by helping them form a common currency"> It was the perfect storm and the Germans played it well."

[@harmendejong4754]

@@myvirtualpresencefyi BRILLIANT..

[@canisxv9869]

One of the proudest moments in German history no doubt. Sure it cost a crapton of money but it was worth it. Togeather Germany is strong and with the close economic ties to france and the EU theres no problem we cant solve

[@ethank.6602]

Except for mass immigration

[@canisxv9869]

@@ethank.6602 Look at the numbers they have drastically declined, overblown by the media as usual.

[@cucumber623]

can germany fix brexit please, boris is making an arse of it, thankyou from a concerned scotsman

[@lawrencetomlinson761]

@@makara80 Every generation had complaints about immigrants taking something from people already citizens. It's just the easy out for bigots to place blame on easy targets for their own failures.

[@makara80]

@@lawrencetomlinson761 You fail to take into account the sheer numbers of migrants arriving in Europe these days compared to those of the recent past. And despite what your government will unconvincingly tell you their numbers are most certainly not declining to any substantial, manageable degree…

[@moniquedelaney7958]

Just beautiful

[@andrewandjoanhart7882]

I too, heard about the fall of the wall on the radio. After seeing on the nightly news the erection of the wall, the shooting of escapees and the reports of the lives lost as people tried to cross the divide, I never imagined that in my lifetime, I would see the Berlin Wall fall. Just five years ago, I went to Berlin and saw for myself Checkpoint Charlie and the demarkation lines where the wall once stood. In the ground were commemorative markers of the divide, which those born after 1969 just walk over, unaware of the cost of human lives of those that tried for freedom. For those who tried and failed to escape, I salute you. To those who no longer see a divided Germany, well done. To the future of a country that has known conflict, pain, division and unity, may it continue.

[@alexanderlee5669]

Brit here just when I thought I couldn't hate Maggie Thatcher anymore I learn she opposed German unification as well. Christ.

[@ajrwilde14]

My thoughts exactly.