Fall of the Berlin Wall

Definition

This event occurred on November 9th 1989 when East Germany announced its citizens could visit West Germany. It symbolized an end to the Cold War and led to the reunification of Germany.

Analogy

Imagine a school divided by a huge wall, with students on either side unable to interact. One day, the wall is suddenly torn down, allowing everyone to mingle freely. That's what happened when the Berlin Wall fell - it was like reuniting long-lost friends or family members.

Related terms

Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between powers in the Eastern Bloc (Soviet Union and its satellite states) and powers in the Western Bloc (United States, NATO allies).

Iron Curtain: The political, military, and ideological barrier erected by Soviet Union after World War II to seal off itself and its dependent eastern European allies from open contact with West.

Reunification of Germany: The process in 1990 in which East Germany became part of West Germany to form united Germany.