Frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades is finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the Berlin Wall has become.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism—and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

German guards restrain people from climbing to the other side of the wall as a section is pulled down by West Germans.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

Frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades is finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the Berlin Wall has become.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

After hammering at the concrete near Brandenburg Gate throughout the night, West Germans attempt to climb the Berlin Wall at dawn, but they are repulsed by police with a water cannon.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

After hammering at the concrete near Brandenburg Gate throughout the night, West Germans attempt to climb the Berlin Wall at dawn, but they are repulsed by police with a water-canon.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

A group of West Germans hammer at the wall near Brandenburg Gate, Berlin.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

German guards restrain people from climbing to the other side of the Berlin Wall as a section is pulled down by west.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

After hammering at the concrete near Brandenburg Gate throughout the night, West Germans attempt to climb the Berlin Wall at dawn, but they are repulsed by police with a water-canon.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

After hammering at the concrete near Brandenburg Gate throughout the night, West Germans attempt to climb the Berlin Wall at dawn, but they are repulsed by police with a water-canon.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

At the wall near Brandenburg Gate, West Berliners wave flags at East German border guards.

In January 1989, East German leader Erich Honecker said he expected the Berlin Wall to endure for another century. By November it had become an anachronism - and so had Honecker. Hundreds of thousands of East Germans fled their country by various routes until the government decided on 9 November to allow free travel to the West. Two days later the frustration that had been building up over nearly three decades was finally unleashed on the symbol of division that the wall had become.

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