Paperless Research
On the Front Page: A Look Back at the Fall of the Berlin Wall
The fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years ago may very well be one of the last global events documented primarily in traditional print media: newspapers and periodicals. As the 1980s gave way to the 1990s, technology, the world wide web, and social networks have permanently altered the way we experience global events. The New York Public Library makes it easier than ever to access historical newspapers and periodicals, integral resources for researching major events before this shift, including the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The New York Public Library offers a number of digitized collections of newspapers from all across the world, from the colonial period to the present day. To further your research explore the over 500 online research options available to New York Public Library patrons, many accessible from home with a library card.
On June 12, 1987 Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhal Gorbachev in a speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate to, “tear down this wall.”
Two years later, on November 9, 1989, the East German Government announced the opening of the border between East and West Germany, effectively bringing down the Berlin Wall. East and West Berliners flocked to the streets and hoards of East Berlin residents made their way over the wall to celebrate with their compatriots.
A unified Germany is restored on October 2, 1990.
Read about the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall online in current newspapers and periodicals in the databases PressReader and Flipster.
Regardless of where your research interests lead you, The New York Public Library has resources to support a broad range of topics. Get started from home using the Library’s online resources and go deeper with print and archival materials. When in doubt, one of our intrepid librarians will be able to help you. Visit us and get started on your research today!
Resources Consulted:
ProQuest Historical Newspapers
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