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Dive into German History: East German Uprising (1953), Deutsche Mark & Berlin Airlift (1948)
A terrible scene unfolded at the sector border Friedrichstraße/Zimmerstraße, known as Checkpoint Charlie: Soviet tanks drove up on the East Berlin side, while West Berliners anxiously observed the unfolding events in the eastern part of the city., © picture alliance / akg-images | akg-images
70 Years Ago: June 17, 1953 - A Day of Unprecedented Citizen Uprising
On June 17, 1953, a momentous event unfolded as approximately one million individuals in East Berlin and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) took to the streets to peacefully voice their discontent with the political and economic conditions of the time. This historic demonstration of unity saw around 600 factories in the GDR cease operations in solidarity with the protesting citizens.
The catalyst for this remarkable workers' protest was the implementation of increased work norms by the ruling Socialist Unity Party (SED) government, resulting in reduced wages for many participants. However, the grievances expressed went beyond economic concerns. The protesters used their collective voice to express frustration with mounting social problems, government paternalism, and a climate of oppression.
What began as a workers' protest soon transformed into a spontaneous popular uprising, catching the SED leadership off guard. The Soviet Union, responding with a heavy hand, swiftly declared a state of emergency. Military forces, Deutsche Volkspolizei (national police force of the German Democratic Republic), and state security were mobilized to quell the June 17 uprising. Tragically, this crackdown resulted in over 50 fatalities and the arrest of approximately 10,000 individuals.
Lebendiges Museum Online (German only)
Berlin Airlift 1948: children are waiting for the plane of US Lieutenant Gail Halversen, the “candy bomber” who used to drop the handkerchief parachutes filled with sweets.
Dawn of a New Era: Berliners Rejoice as Blockade is Lifted
In the early morning hours of May 12, 1949, the first buses set off from Berlin for West Germany to the cheers of their fellow citizens. A bus with the inscription “Hurray, we are still alive” embodied the resilient spirit of the people. At exactly 12:01 a.m. on the night of May 11-12, 1949, the blockade that had besieged Berlin ended.
East German uprising of 1953: The Red Flag at the Brandenburg Gate is taken down by the people.
East German uprising of 1953: Announcement of the Soviet city commander about the imposition of the state of emergency on June 17, 1953
East German Uprising of 1953: Soviet tanks on the market place in Leipzig on June 17, 1953.
East German Uprising of 1953: In an act of defiant courage, Berliners pelt a Soviet tank stationed on Leipziger Straße near Potsdamer Platz with a hail of stones.
East German uprising of 1953: On June 23, 1953, thousands of Berliners gathered in a solemn display of unity and remembrance. The wide expanse of Rudolf Wilde Platz, situated in front of the West Berlin City Hall in Schöneberg, became the backdrop for a momentous occasion—a mourning ceremony that left an indelible mark on history.
In a deeply poignant moment, German Chancellor Dr. Konrad Adenauer paid a heartfelt tribute to the fallen victims of the Berlin riots on June 17, 1953, bestowing upon them the revered title of “Martyrs of Freedom.”
© picture-alliance / dpa | UPI
U.S. President John F. Kennedy (m) and Governing Mayor of Berlin Willy Brandt (r) in front of Schöneberg City Hall in Berlin on June 26, 1963. In his speech, Kennedy expressed his solidarity with the people of the divided city with the legendary sentence spoken in German, “Ich bin ein Berliner.” One and a half million people lined the streets or gathered for Kennedy's speech in front of Schöneberg City Hall during the U.S. president's seven-and-a-half-hour tour of West Berlin.