Programme Outline
The programme focuses on:
- the collapse of the Wall and the subsequent partying and celebrations
- the implications of this event for Germany and for the rest of Europe and the world.
The fall of the Berlin Wall [0.00-5.36]
This section charts one of the great 'good news' stories of the twentieth century. Several ideas emerge from the press coverage. One is that this revolution was achieved through 'people power' –- although the removal of Soviet support for the East German government probably played a major part. Another is the human aspect: the joyful reunions and feelings of togetherness.
The implications of the fall of the Berlin Wall [5.36-end]
The realisation that there may be a down-side to these events is first introduced through the jokey cartoons from the Sun and the News of the World. Even this is mollified by the German government's enthusiastic reception of the refugees from the East. Soon, however, two rather worrying issues emerge. The first was the question of how to pay for this massive influx of new citizens, entitled to all the benefits of West Germans. The second went beyond Germany. Very soon, dark memories of two world wars were reawakening, and the politicians were showing signs of concern.
