Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
US president John F Kennedy professes his solidarity with the people of Berlin when
giving his famous 'Ich bin ein Berliner' speech at the town hall in West Berlin's
Schöneberg on 26 June.
1964
A master plan to turn Alexanderplatz, East Berlin's central square, into a socialist ar-
chitectural showcase begins. The square's crowning glory, the TV Tower, opens in
1969.
1967
The death of Benno Ohnesorg, an unarmed student who is shot by a police officer
while demonstrating against the visit to West Berlin of the Shah of Persia, draws at-
tention to the student movement.
1971
The four Allies sign the Four Power Accord, which confirms Berlin's independent
status. East and West Germany recognise each other's sovereignty in the Basic Treaty.
1976
The Palace of the Republic, which houses the GDR parliament and an entertainment
centre, opens on 23 April, where the royal Hohenzollern palace had been demolished
in 1950.
1987
East and West Berlin celebrate the city's 750th birthday separately. On 12 June Ronald
Reagan stands before the Brandenburg Gate to say 'Mr Gorbachev, tear down this
Wall!'
1989
On 9 October, East Germany celebrates the 40th anniversary of its founding as
demonstrations in favour of reforms reverberate through East Berlin.
1989
On 4 November, half a million Berliners in Alexanderplatz demand freedom of speech,
press and assembly. The Berlin Wall opens on 9 November without a single bullet be-
ing fired.
