The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall

Berlin Wall Germany East West Communism Oppression
Will McBride / Camera Work / The Kennedy Museum / AP

Solidarity
Unable to stop the construction of the wall, President John F. Kennedy made a symbolic visit to the Brandenburg Gate in June, 1963, where, in a speech intended to demonstrate his unity with the citizens of West Berlin, he declared, Ich bin ein Berliner, I am a Berliner.

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