Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall fell suddenly on 9 November 1989 evening.

The Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin for decades.

East Germany's border was guarded by 302 watchtowers in 1989.

The Wall was 4 metres tall and stretched 155 kilometres long.

Erich Honecker stepped down as East German leader in October 1989.

East Germans could apply for travel permits in new November 1989 law.

Press spokesman Schabowski mistakenly said travel rules took effect immediately.

West German news broadcast the opening to nearly all East Germans.

Thousands gathered at border checkpoints demanding to cross immediately.

Border guards let East Germans pass, confused but powerless to stop them.

Concrete parts of the Berlin Wall were later broken and spread worldwide.

Germany reunified on 3 October 1990, joining East and West states.

The Deutsche Mark became East Germany's currency in July 1990.

Soviet forces left Germany by 1994 following reunification.

The Berlin Wall became a powerful symbol of division then unity.