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(I have noticed by this point that the term “The rise, and fall of the Berlin wall” is used constantly.)
John F. Kennedy gave a speech to the people saying: Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was civis romanus sum . Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "ich bin ein berliner!"... All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "ich bin ein berliner!"
In the same speech JFK also asked the leader of East Germany to tear down the wall.
“We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General secretary gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the soviet union and eastern europe, if you seek liberalization come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
in 1988 the government of East Germany decided to take a one-step backward, two-steps forward approach to the citizens of East Germany. They allowed a group known as Bruce Springsteen and the e-street to enter East Germany. The group said: "I'm not here for or against any government. I've come to play rock 'n' roll for you in the hope that one day all the barriers will be torn down.”
after a few loopholes in the system allowed refugees to escape the east german government gave in to the protests. People were finally allowed to visit their families. After a few months demolition began.
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