Die Wende

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Die Wende marked the beginning of the German reunification process between East Germany and West Germany, following the East German revolution and the Fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, which was concluded on 3 October 1990 when the former GDR states acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany, which grew about 25%, and from 11 to 16 states.

In hindsight, the German word Wende (meaning "change", "turning point") then took on a new meaning; Seit der Wende; "since reunification" or "since the Wall fell"; or "since the change". This period is marked by West German aid to East Germany, a total reaching an estimated $775 billion over 10 years. This burden greatly diminished much of the initial enthusiasm the Westerners felt for the prospect of reunification.

This "turning point" has marked the reunification of Germany, reuniting countless families and friends and opening Germany to a new era of fortune and peace. Die Wende has become synonymous with the fall of the Wall, the Iron Curtain and that of the Eastern Bloc.

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