divided the German people geographically as well as symbolically. Families and friends found themselves separated and most Berliners were lucky just to establish visual contact over the Wall. Stretching for more than 100 miles, escape was virtually impossible because of mines, attack dogs and armed guards with shoot-to-kill orders. At least 2.7 million people attempted to escape by climbing, vaulting, tunneling or crashing through checkpoints. Others attempted to swim the canals or stow away in cargo shipped across the border. Unsuccessful attempts resulted in death, mostly at the hands of East German guards. Official figures show that more than 400 people have died trying to escape from East Germany; human rights activists, however, estimate the figure to be closer to 800. On the evening of Nov. 9, 1989, restrictions between the two Berlins were lifted. Celebrations around the world culminated with Germany being reunified as one country on Oct. 3, 1990.
|
