Border, Politics, West, East

The Berlin Wall opens

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During an international press conference on 9 November 1989, Günter Schabowski, a member of the politburo, announces that the GDR will be opening its borders. An Italian journalist asks about changes to the laws governing the right to travel.

Schabowski answers: "We have therefore decided today to put in place a regulation that allows every citizen of the German Democratic Republic to leave through any of its border crossings."
Journalist: "When does it come into effect?"
Schabowski: "That comes into effect, according to my information… immediately, without delay."
Schabowski continues: "Permanent exit can take place via all border crossing points between the GDR and FRG or West Berlin."

A few hours later, the Wall falls.

locations

  • Grenzübergang Bornholmer Straße
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    52.554722
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    13.398611
  • Grenzübergang Sonnenallee
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    52.4748634
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    13.4538055
  • Grenzübergang Chausseestraße
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    52.5328582
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    13.3802425
  • Grenzübergang Heinrich-Heine-Straße
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    latitude
    52.5079941
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    13.4141298
  • Grenzübergang Oberbaumbrücke
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    latitude
    52.5012424
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    13.4450414
  • Grenzübergang Friedrichstraße
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    1
    latitude
    52.520394
    longitude
    13.387314