The Fall Of The Berlin Wall, 30 Years Later

The fall of the Berlin Wall did not just represent the destruction of the physical barrier that for 28 years split a city and a country in two opposing sides. It also marked the beginning of the end of the paradigm that had dominated postwar Europe: East versus West, planned versus free market economies, checkpoints versus freedom of movement.

The wall has now been a relic longer than the time it stood as a barrier. An entire generation—the one celebrated in Forbes 30 Under 30—has grown up in a world where the wall is a memory rather than a reality.

The ties binding Continental Europe as a political, economic and cultural entity are tighter than ever, but endless challenges—new and old—arise everyday, not least the pull of nationalism and populist ideologies that brought conflict and ruin to the continent for centuries, reaching a nadir in the 20th century.

Anniversaries matter, ensuring that memory does not fade, lessons are learned and passed down, and scars heal. Forbes contributors and writers offer their takes on the legacy of the Berlin Wall, 30 years since its fall.

Forbes will host the Under 30 Europe Summit, the gathering of the world's most innovative young leaders, in Berlin from December 1 to December 4. Find out more here.

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A Warning From Russia

Mikhail Gorbachev is one of the last surviving political leaders of the world in which the wall came down. Reflecting on his key decision that the Soviet Union—of which he was to be the last leader—would not try to stop the uprisings against communist rule, Gorbachev had a word of advice for Europe and the rest of the world.

A Fairytale Success

Few companies have ever had to face the challenge faced by Rotkäppchen. Founded in 1856 in Saxony-Anhalt, the company survived two global conflicts before ending up on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain. It survived nationalization and privatization—a rare success story for an East German company, and ostalgie has nothing to do with it.

Living Off The Wall

Whenever change happens, opportunity arises. Pieces of the wall have become landmarks, statues and ... foundations for souvenir businesses. One business in particular has been supplying the vast majority of Berlin’s gift shops with colorful shards of the wall, first secured in 1991.

A Wall Falls, And Property Booms

Few dared to live in the proximity of the highly fortified and heavily guarded Berlin Wall. But after the fall of the barrier, those areas of central Berlin soon reacquired their popularity, with property prices skyrocketing by 400% in the past 30 years.

The Rise Of Prenzlauer Berg

Before the Berlin Wall fell, East Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg was a dead-quiet neighborhood of crumbling Kaiser-Wilhelm-era apartment buildings, a few abandoned churches and public buildings, and little else. It was the best thing that could have happened to that neighborhood.

Divided Germany

Bringing together two parts of a country that had been living radically different lives for 30 years was no small challenge. Many assumed, as former Chancellor Willy Brandt put it, that “that which belongs together is growing together,” and that it would take roughly a generation for the two sides to complete the process. In fact, the process is still ongoing.

An evolution of surveillance

After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the ensuing collapse of the German Democratic Republic, those living in East Germany were able to discover just how much material the Ministry for State Security had gathered about their lives. The Stasi is no more, but it doesn’t mean surveillance is a thing of the past.

A Cinematic History Of The Berlin Wall

Since its construction in August 1961, the Berlin Wall has featured in many films, mostly as a symbol of the Iron Curtain. Here are some iconic films shot between 1961-1989 you should watch to have a sense of how cinematographers portrayed the wall in their work. For those who prefer contemporary films, here are some more recent titles worth checking out to see how cinema has reflected on that period of history.

Exploring The Legacy Of A Divided Country

Glancing over the barrier of Checkpoint Charlie was as close to East Berlin as many tourists and visitors got for the best part of 30 years. Now millions of international tourists can explore the legacies of the east and a reunified Germany.

Pictures Of Life In Divided Berlin

As part of the city of Berlin’s anniversary commemorations, a series of photography exhibitions look at various aspects of life behind the wall. Here’s a handy guide if you plan a visit to the German capital soon.

Forbes will host the Under 30 Europe Summit, the gathering of the world's most innovative young leaders, in Berlin from December 1 to December 4. Find out more here.