Historical notes from Berlin

Berlin's eventful history - an overview

Founded in the 13th century, Berlin has had an eventful history. Excavations from 2008 suggest that the city may be even older than was previously assumed: state archaeologists have discovered an oak beam that probably dates back to 1183.
Almost no other metropolis has experienced such frequent, radical change transforming the face of the city. Although Berlin saw steady growth in its importance, dazzling epochs alternated with darker eras. Nevertheless, the formerly divided city has succeeded in becoming a vibrant metropolis in the heart of Europe.

Historical overview

Short history of the fall of the Berlin Wall

On the evening of November 9, 1989, the Wall fell in Berlin – and with it the frontier that had divided Germany for 28 years. The very same night, thousands of GDR citizens rushed to the border with West Berlin. Although they had no official order, the border guards opened the crossings. What had happened?

Short history of the fall of the Berlin Wall

John F. Kennedy: "Ich bin ein Berliner"

On June 26, 1963 U.S. President John F. Kennedy gave a historic speech in West Berlin to show the support of the United States for West Germany after the Soviet-supported Communist state of East Germany built the Berlin Wall (in August 1961). His speech was a great morale boost for West Berliners, who lived in an enclave deep inside East Germany and feared a possible East German occupation. Speaking from the balcony of Berline Rathaus Schöneberg, Kennedy said the famous words: "I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner!'"

"Ich bin ein Berliner"