The armies of the anti-Hitler coalition were stationed in Germany for almost 50 years - on September 8, 1994, the last soldiers of the victorious powers from the Second World War left Berlin. On that day, the Americans, British and French were sent off with military honors, while the Russians said goodbye a week earlier.
Capitulation and division of Germany and Berlin
It all started on May 8, 1945, when the 3rd German Reich surrendered unconditionally. This, after six years, ended the Second World War in Europe, which was started by the German Nazis and in which at least 60 million people lost their lives around the world.
Germany was divided between the victorious powers into four occupation zones.
The USA, Great Britain and France take over much of the west, while the Soviet Union takes over the east. Thus, in 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (FDR) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were created, which, despite its name, represents a communist dictatorship.
What applies to the entire country is also reflected in Berlin, the former capital of the Reich: Here, too, the Allies divided the territory into four so-called sectors. However, tensions between the victorious powers are already growing.
Two opposing camps developed from the military alliance: the democratic Western Allies on the one hand and the communist Soviet Union on the other.
Berlin is particularly affected by these tensions. In June 1948, the Soviets began a blockade of the western sectors, wanting to bring the entire capital under their control.
Airlift to the rescue of West Berlin
The USA, Great Britain and France respond with the legendary airlift. In order for the 2,2 million people in their sectors to survive, airplanes with food, medicine, gasoline, and coal continuously supplied the city until the end of the blockade in May 1949.
About 100 people lose their lives in plane crashes and other incidents. The Airlift Memorial at Tempelhof Airport commemorates those victims. The story of this logistical feat is part of a permanent exhibition at the Allied Museum, located in the former American sector.
And the place itself has historical significance and reminds us of the decades-long presence of the Allies: the American cinema for soldiers "Outpost" used to be located here. The street where the museum is located is named after the organizer of the air bridge: Lusius D. Klej.
Tourist attraction: Checkpoint Charlie
The former border crossing Checkpoint Charlie, which was built after the erection of the Berlin Wall on August 13, 1961, is world-famous. Here, members of the allied army and diplomats could freely cross from the western side to the eastern side and vice versa. Just a few months after the final division of Berlin, there was a spectacular confrontation between American and Soviet tanks.
Today, Checkpoint Charlie is a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. Many take photos in front of the replica of the former control barracks. The original is in the Allied Museum.
Tanks and graves next to the Brandenburg Gate
By the way, there are still several tanks from that time in Berlin. One of them stands in front of the Berlin-Karlshorst museum, which is located in the former Soviet sector. In the center of the permanent exhibition is the hall where Germany signed the capitulation on May 8, 1945.
There are also tanks at the Soviet monument next to the Brandenburg Gate. This place is also considered the final resting place for at least 2.000 Red Army soldiers who died during the liberation of Berlin in 1945.
Gatov airport, in the former British sector, reminds us of the long-term presence of allies. Until the final withdrawal on September 8, 1994, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) was stationed here. Today, the Bundeswehr Museum of Military History is located there.
Flights at Gatov airport have been suspended for a long time. This also applies to Tempelhof and Tegel airports, which were once used for military and civilian purposes, in the American and French sectors. In both places there is information about the turbulent history of the Allies.
The mini Eiffel Tower and the names of the streets are reminiscent of the past
A special attraction, the wooden miniature of the Eiffel Tower in front of the French Center in Belin's Veding district will be installed again in November after restoration. The 13-meter high replica was a symbol of Franco-German friendship, which is still the main theme in this cultural center, opened in 1961.
The legacy of the Allies is most visible in special historical places. But traces can also be found in the name of the settlement City Foch in the district of Reinnickendorf or in the names of the streets: Avenue Charles de Gaulle or Square Moliere.
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