Berlin History

The Brandenburg Gate

In 1836, Karl Marx went to school in Berlin and there began the revolution which ultimately marked the beginning of the division of Berlin and Germany into East and West. Karl Marx brought Communism to Berlin along with the ideals of one group of people. Until November 8^th, 1918, Germany was under the rule of the Kaiser. But World War One was lost, and the Kaiser had to renounce his throne, thus leading to the division in Berlin and Germany in their ideals. Karl Marx once said, “He who possess Berlin, controls Europe”. He wanted control of Berlin to go to the Communist Party in order to spread his left-wing ideas. By January 5^th, 1919, The Communists had control over all of Berlin’s important buildings, including the Brandenburg Gate. Fights broke out in the streets, and eventually, the Freiburg Core took back control from the Communists and the Communist uprising was stopped.

Street named after Marx still in Germany

            I find it very interesting the see the progression from the time of Fritz to the time of Marx, and how it seemed as though Marx furthered Frederick’s ideas and put them into action. It is amazing how the ideas of two men can spread so quickly and divide a once united country in a matter of seconds. While it is easy to tear down statues and rename streets, the remaining Communist statues and street signs help to remind the Germans of their past. I feel it is a very powerful reminder to see what was left after such a shaky time in history. It is a reminder of what happened and what not to let happen once again.

            Marx had a significant influence over Germany at this time, and his influence is still seen today in the form of Communist statues and street names. His influence helped lead to the permanent division of Berlin and Germany. Two Republics were formed—the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). But first the Weimar Republic was established.

            Another source of conflict between the East and West was the demolition of the Schloss. The Communists said that it represented the wrong kind history with its imperial past. It was demolished in 1950 and is still a big, sandy, empty space in the middle of Berlin. The Schloss that once stood there is planned to be rebuilt in the space, but not all agree. I do not think that Germany should rebuild something from the past, but should build something meant to promote their future ideals. While it is important to remember Germany’s past history, it is also important to take a step forward, especially after the tragic events in Germany’s past.

The Berlin Wall

            After the demolition, barbed wire Sunday occurred, and that barbed wire structure soon became the Berlin Wall. At first, the East and West competed through the rebuilding of their communities and buildings. But the competition did not stay as harmless as the building structures.

            On January 30^th, 1933, Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor. Nazi propaganda spread like crazy with the promise of a new era different from that of the Weimar Republic. In 1961, the Berlin Wall was built, officially dividing East and West Germany and Berlin. The East followed the ideas of Communism, while West Germany did not. The Wall was heavily guarded and of the many who tried to cross over from East to West, a lot were killed before they could make it.
Just imagine, you are separated from your family and you cannot go see them. You are under the rule of the Communist regime, and are under constant watch. You have to watch what you say to people whom you trust, and decide if you can even trust anyone you used to. The Nazis and the Secret Police made people paranoid, and everyone lived in constant fear. It is unimaginable unless you've actually gone through it. It is difficult to even try and emphasize... It is almost too difficult for me to grasp what those living through this time period must have really gone through.
The wall carried a lot of feelings of oppression and it divided many families and friends from one another. It was built straight through Germany, even through cemeteries. Germany has gone through many sad and tragic events, and they are still reminded of their past today with remnants of the wall as well as the street signs and statues mentioned early. While it is sad, it is a powerful force keeping Germany from repeating history and constantly moving forward.

Word Count: 757