Huh? Germany was divided into two separate parts?
After the second world war, which ended in 1945, Germany was divided into two parts: East and West Germany.
Pro Tip #1: The Soviet Union controlled eastern Germany, and the United States and other Allied forces occupied the western half – the two different sides of the world war.
The Soviet Union stopped people travelling into West Berlin from East Berlin. Eventually, in 1961, they decided to build a wall to separate East and West Berlin. This wall became known as the Berlin Wall. The wall, however, did not just separate Berlin. In fact, it ran through the whole country and was up to 3.6 metres tall!
The Berlin Wall Then
Germans could only pass from one side of Germany to the other through Checkpoint Charlie. You can visit the Checkpoint today and still get your passport stamped!
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
On 9 November 1989 East Germany started bringing the wall down. Nearly a year later, on 20 September 1990 the treaty was signed to unify Germany. Finally, on 3 October 1990 Germany was officially reunited and East and West Germany became one country again.
The Berlin Wall Now
Celebrations
It is no surprise then that the 3 October is a holiday in Germany. However, celebrations are not as elaborate in Germany as they are in some of the other countries we have looked at (Jamaica, France and America). Instead, the Germans celebrate with some traditional food including Apfelstrudel. Have you tried our delicious healthy take on this classic? The Oom-Pah-Pah Crumble!
Pic of Brandenburg Gate
Fun Fact #1: The official celebration is hosted by a different Germany city each year.
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO?
At Munchachos we care deeply about tearing down walls. We encourage children to explore the world and embark on new adventures as often as possible. There is so much to learn, so much to see and so many friends to be made. So grab your munchables and get exploring!
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