The Phrase That Opened the Wall

On November 9, 1989, a confused press conference directly contributed to the opening of the Berlin Wall. Asked about new travel rules for East German citizens, a government official clumsily replied they entered into force "immediately." A few hours later, thousands of Berliners converged on border crossing points.

In autumn 1989, the German Democratic Republic went through a profound political crisis. Demonstrations multiplied while several Eastern Bloc countries began to ease their borders and political systems.

On November 9, East German leader Günter Schabowski participated in a televised press conference intended to present new circulation rules for GDR citizens. Poorly prepared, he read notes he imperfectly mastered.

When a journalist asked from when these new travel authorizations applied, Schabowski replied after hesitation: "as far as I know... Immediately, without delay." The statement was quickly broadcast by West German media. Thousands of East Berlin residents then headed toward Wall control points. Border guards, who had received no clear instructions, found themselves confronted with growing crowds demanding the opening of passages.

Shortly before midnight, several border posts finally opened their barriers to avoid an uncontrollable escalation. Images of Berliners freely crossing the Wall immediately became a world symbol of the end of the Cold War and the progressive collapse of the Soviet bloc.