Germany lay in ruins, and the two victorious powers lined up against each other, with Berlin as the centerpiece of this conflict. Construction of the Wall and East German Life. The United States reacted to the Wall by increasing its visible Berlin presence, and President John F. Kennedy traveled to the divided city, delivering a speech expressing United States support for West Berlin in front of the largest crowd in his life, over 1 million people. German track great. German reunification happened so quickly that many on both sides of the former wall were unprepared for the enormous economic and emotional changes that were to come.
Tensions exist all over Germany due to what both sides feel are unfulfilled expectations.
Since 1989, more than 1.7 million East Germans have migrated west, primarily in search of jobs. A total of 388,396 migrated from the GDR to the FRG in 1989. This number increased to 395,343 in 1990, fell to 249,743 in 1991, and halved from its peak to 199,170 in 1992. Interesting personal description of Berlin with history. Good virtual trip through current Berlin.