East Berlin was a part of the socialist state of the German Democratic Republic for more than forty years. However the moment which has led to difference in the political scenario of Germany is the abolition of Berlin Wall in the year 1989. Consequently in this blog post I am to blog about whether or not East Berlin is still a communist city today.
The Reunification of Germany
In the case of Germany, after the fall of the Berlin wall was brought down, moves to integrate east and west Germany started. On the 3rd of October in 1990 the reunification of Germany happened which ended communism in East Berlin. After the unification of Germany the political structure which was adopted was capitalist democracy in an attempt to relate to western countries.
With this in mind the text on the transformation of East Berlin discusses the physical changes taking place in East Berlin as well as the changing political climate as a sign of the series of changes taking place in this region.
However, after the reunification of both sides of Berlin, East Berlin transformed a lot. Much was done in terms of construction, economic growth and the creation of democratic institutions. Monuments like the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building, which are still today the images of the united Germany.
Economic Changes
The liberalization of East Berlin from socialism to capitalism was full of both blessings and curses. This led to making the city a place of doing business, which drew investments and kick started the east African economy. Old trades received a new lease of life while other lines of production were pioneered. Today East Berlin has emerged as the hub of innovation, businesses ranging from start-ups to new age creative agencies and effective cultural centers.
Political Changes
The year of reunification saw the change of regime towards democracy and political pluralism. East Berlin is part of Germany and Germans from east Berlin vote and choose their representatives in the German parliament. The-authoritarian-and-tyrannical-policies-of-the-communist-regime-stemming-from-censorship-and-surveillance-have-been-done-away-and-this-means-that-the-people-get-to-have-a-little-more-freedom.
The Legacy of Communism
It may be said that today’s East Berlin is distanced from communism but the ideas of the past are not so concealed. There are museums, memorials and concentrations that have been created with a purpose of nurturing the memories of people .
Museums, memorials and educational initiatives today have been developed to remind every citizen of life under the rule of communism. The exact example of the division is the East Side Gallery–Berlin Wall paintings and the remaining part of the division between Eastern and Western Germany are a crucial reminder of it.
Also, some residents retain some aspects of postmodern positions, for example, carriers of ‘postmodern fundamentals integrated’ practice postmodernism but still feel nostalgia for the secure life of the 1980s. The changes having taken place in society because of reunification have led to economic differences, and cultural divisions that may last for many generations. However, East Berlin is no more an isolated centre but is fully committed to the Germans’ democratic culture of freedom, democracy and equality.
Conclusion
East Berlin is no longer a communist city. Since German reunification, the eastern part of the country has been in a process of transition from the centrally planned and state-owned economy model to the more pluralistic system. Despite the Soviet aesthetic reflected across the city, East Berlin is now an active participant in democracy and the free market economy of the 21 st century.
Coming to East Berlin today is a chance witnessing the transformation and exploring the cultural potential of the city that represented the split of two worlds.
