30 years ago, one incredible event changed the world

“The Berlin Wall divided East and West Germany and was a visible reminder of the Cold War from 1961 until almost exactly 30 years ago – Nov. 9, 1989 – when the East German government announced its citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin.

That night, ecstatic crowds swarmed the wall. Some crossed freely into West Berlin, while others brought hammers and picks and began to chip away at the wall itself. People around the world celebrated in relief at this profound milestone that signaled an end to the Cold War.

The reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Soviet Union was an important part of our world’s history, which is why I’m focusing on this critical moment for this week’s episode of “Newt’s World.”

Thirty years later, it is easy to forget that the peaceful end of the Cold War was by no means guaranteed. There are many stories of moments when we were on the verge of a cataclysmic war with the Soviets. Had it not been for the vision of President Ronald Reagan, the Cold War might have ended much worse.”