15 Photos Showing The Last Days Of The Berlin Wall in 1989

History 2 days ago

The fall of the Berlin Wall marked one of the most pivotal moments in modern history, symbolizing the end of a divided Germany and the collapse of the Iron Curtain. As the barrier that separated East and West Berlin crumbled, a wave of emotion, hope, and unity spread across the world. From the first cracks in its concrete surface to the jubilant crowds that celebrated its destruction, the Wall’s last days were filled with a profound sense of freedom and possibility. The images that remain from that time reflect not only the physical destruction of a symbol of division but also the emotional dismantling of years of separation and mistrust. Here are 15 photos from the last days of the Berlin wall.

1. The start of bringing down the Berlin wall, 1989.

A man in a black jacket uses a pickaxe to chip away at a graffiti-covered wall. Several people watch, some holding cameras. Uniformed soldiers stand on top of the wall, observing the scene. The ground is wet with puddles.
woodeenho

You can see the hatred in this man’s face while he swings that sledgehammer.

2. West German citizens helping their East German countrymen over the Berlin Wall.

People gather on both sides of a tall graffiti-covered wall, helping each other climb over. The scene is lively, with individuals of various ages collaborating and supporting each other in crossing the barrier.
justsoinsane

This photo is from when the Berlin Wall finally came down in 1989.

3. The Berlin wall falling, 1989.

A crowd gathers as a large section of graffiti-covered concrete is removed from a wall. Several people stand on the debris, while others watch. Construction cranes are visible in the background. The scene is bustling with activity and excitement.
Luke0ne

Here, you can see East German soldiers meeting the Westerners.

4. An East German soldier passing a flower through a crack in the wall, 1989.

A uniformed man is holding a red flower through a narrow hole in a concrete wall, looking directly at the camera. The setting appears to be outdoors, and the focus is on the flower extending through the divide.
userdeleted

This photo shows that most people just want peace.

5. Even the kids were doing their part.

A man kneels while using a hammer on a wall outside. Two children stand nearby on a paved path, watching him. The boy wears a black jacket, and the girl is in a colorful coat. They appear to be in a wooded area.
paula_schultz237

I love the friendly smiles as they tear down the wall.

6. He is slowly but surely taking it down.

A child in a striped shirt and pants stands facing a damaged concrete wall with exposed rebar. The ground is littered with debris. The wall has graffiti, and there is an open area visible through the broken section. The sky is overcast.
footour

He’s weakening the wall for everyone else.

7. Sneaking a kiss while the wall is coming down.

A woman and a man kiss through a gap in a graffiti-covered wall. Iron bars partially obstruct them. The woman carries a shoulder bag, and both wear jackets. The setting suggests a historic or significant location.
userdeleted

“My girlfriend is from West Berlin, you wouldn’t know her.”

8. West Germans greeting East Germans during the fall of the wall.

A man extends his hand over a wall towards two uniformed guards, who stand with their arms crossed. Several people gather on the other side, watching the interaction. The scene is dimly lit, suggesting it might be evening or nighttime.
ultimatelazer

I really hope he didn’t leave him hanging.

9. Collecting pieces of the wall to sell to tourists.

A person wearing a jacket and sweatpants carries three large stones. The background features a graffiti-covered wall and bare trees. The scene is in black and white, and the person appears to be smiling.
gregornot

This kid is an entrepreneur.

10. The same spot, 1960s vs 1990s.

A person in a denim jacket mimics chiseling movements in two side-by-side photos. Left: in front of a graffiti-covered wall. Right: on a cobblestone street, a cyclist passing by, with modern buildings in the background.
magicalphoenix

It’s a good thing that the wall came down, or that cyclist would have slammed right into the wall.

11. East Germans heading to the Berlin wall to hear Michael Jackson perform on the West side.

A black-and-white photo of a group of people walking and gathering in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The scene appears casual, with individuals dressed in 1980s style clothing.
n3uman

The concert was part of MJ’s international Bad tour.

12. A young girl pointing at the start of the fall, 1989.

A child in winter clothing points at a graffiti-covered wall with soldiers standing on top. The wall shows signs of decay, with debris scattered on the ground. The soldiers are wearing uniforms and berets, standing in a row.
comradekiev

There are so many ways to interpret the meaning of this photo.

13. Men hammering the Berlin wall while East German guards fire on them with a water cannon.

A man uses a tool to chip away at a graffiti-covered concrete wall amidst a crowd. Debris and dust fill the air as people watch. The scene is energetic, with a sense of liberation and change.
reporter_at_large

That water can do some serious damage.

14. West German kids’ first interaction with East German border guards.

Two uniformed guards stand facing three children near a graffiti-covered wall. The children are dressed in bright winter clothes and are by a red barrier. The backdrop includes a chain-link fence and a foggy sky.
ultimatelazer

Those kids are in their 40s and 50s now.

15. East German guards watching the wall fall.

Two uniformed guards wearing black fur hats stand atop a structure, with one holding a cigarette. The background shows a historic building with columns and architectural details.
holliday_change9387

They don’t look disappointed at all.

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