Watch Busting the Berlin Wall

Busting the Berlin Wall is a documentary series that premiered in 2019 on ZDF, a German public-service television broadcaster. The show chronicles the events leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the aftermath of its collapse. The series features both archival footage and interviews with historians, politicians, and former citizens of East and West Germany.

The first episode of the series explores the history of the Berlin Wall, which was erected by the East German government in 1961 to prevent citizens from defecting to the West. The episode includes interviews with citizens who witnessed the construction of the Wall, as well as historians who provide context for the political climate at the time.

The second episode of the series focuses on the attempts made by citizens of East Germany to escape to the West, despite the risks involved. The episode features interviews with escapees and their families, as well as with journalists who covered their stories. The episode also highlights the role played by the Western media in broadcasting these escapades to the world.

The third episode covers the period leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall, including the protests and demonstrations that took place in East Germany in the months preceding the event. The episode includes interviews with key figures such as Hans Modrow, the last communist leader of East Germany, and Günter Schabowski, the East German official who mistakenly announced that the Wall would open immediately.

The fourth and final episode of the series deals with the immediate aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall, including the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990. The episode features interviews with citizens who experienced this historic event firsthand, as well as with historians who provide analysis of the political, social, and economic implications of reunification.

Throughout the series, the show also explores the roles played by various international actors, including the United States, the Soviet Union, and the European Union, in the events leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The interviews with key figures provide a unique perspective on these events, and the show does an excellent job of contextualizing them within a broader historical narrative.

Overall, Busting the Berlin Wall is a compelling and insightful documentary series that sheds new light on one of the most significant events of the 20th century. The show's combination of archival footage and interviews creates an immersive viewing experience that encourages viewers to engage with the material on a personal level. Highly recommended for anyone interested in modern European history.