Berlin's Incredibly Interesting History

Divided Berlin, ninaschmidt.ca

I’m just going to start off saying that I simply never knew that any part of Berlin was under Soviet control. I have no idea how I never knew that, after learning so much about history in general throughout the years, especially while taking AP European History and the like. I remember learning all about World War I and II. I also clearly recognize the Berlin Wall and the separation it brought to the people of Berlin. I’m guessing I never really looked deeper into the reason for the Wall and also the differences between the West and East sides of Berlin. Going deeper into the history throughout these videos, it’s easy to see why Communism and the like remained popular in Germany. Its ideas had come to fruition within the country and throughout history, Germany has always loved its philosophers. His thoughts and ideas were reminiscent of Frederick the Great - their first great ruler that was well liked for his interests in art and music. (However, in this example, explicitly due to the fondness of philosophy.) Red Berlin was a large part of their past that initially started the separation of people in the city in terms of politics and ideals. This division grew over time, reinforced by financial and political instability.

The capitalist West and the soviet East were so close to each other, yet so different in a number of various aspects. They each had their own ideas about great historical landmarks and procedures within their sides of the city. A lot of this was seen through the times in the buildings they tore down and reconstructed. Even buildings that were purposefully not reconstructed and instead, entirely replaced. While Germany stood as a city of improvement and industry throughout its history, a lot of the buildings have continued to stand as icons for the city’s times and events. Throughout the different eras and styles, old castles and modern-looking living spaces, I can’t help but compare the same idea of emotion and politics that take place with the buildings of Miami, Florida. It’s amazing to see the old buildings mixed with the new. The rustic, ancient design standing next to a bring, shining, modern hotel, for example.

TV Tower, classicfm.com

The futuristic TV Tower which could be seen across Berlin was a shining beacon of the future and progress. Bright Floridian colors like pastel blues and yellows discern the old buildings in Miami. The glass and metal structures and art forms across the city represent the new era of design that has taken hold. The constant reconstruction combined with the constant restoration brings a surprisingly beautiful combination in Miami. From the videos we watched, it will be incredibly interesting to see that same kind of beauty in the buildings in and around Berlin. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something special about Berlin. Everyone who knows about it, seems to care about it. The people who live there, love it. It’s their home and they seem as though they would do anything for the city and the people within it, no matter what. At the same time, they all acknowledge themselves as part of the world. They have a strong sense of who they are, where they belong, and what they’re doing. They also know and acknowledge the history of Germany - good and bad. They make the best and most of it and show that they are still the city that was once seen as bright and futuristic. Rich in color and culture, the city of Berlin is incredibly unique and yet so easily associated to the rest of the humankind.

Berlin, theloftberlin.com

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