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History of Berlin, Germany
Journey back in time to Berlin, Germany
Explore Berlin, Germany! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Berlin Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Berlin is the capital and the largest city of Germany.
The history of Berlin starts with its foundation in the 13th century.
It became the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg in 1417, and later of Brandenburg-Prussia, and the Kingdom of Prussia. Prussia grew rapidly in the 18th and 19th century, and formed the basis of the German Empire in 1871.
During World War II, it was virtually destroyed by bombing, artillery, and ferocious street-by-street fighting.
justfunfacts.com
Explore even more about Berlin, Germany. Keep reading!
Berlin Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Berlin, Germany
Postcard
Berlin, Germany
Postcard
Berlin, Germany
(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
Berlin, Germany
Postcard
Gruss aus Berlin Unter den Linden
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to BERLIN
GERMANY - German Heritage Deutschland Delights Ceramic Genealogy Mug
My ancestors came from Germany. That explains a lot about my love for beer, sausages, and cuckoo clocks!
If it Weren't for Genealogy, I'd Have No Life at All! - Ceramic Coffee Mug
Unlock your family’s past with every sip! Introducing our Genealogy Enthusiast’s Ceramic Mug, featuring the witty and relatable saying: 'If it Weren't for Genealogy, I'd Have No Life at All!'
Discover Berlin: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1889 - In Berlin, Germany, there was a heavy fall of snow on the 4th, accompanied by a thunder-storm. In the mountain districts heavy and continuous rains had flooded the country.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 9, 1889
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 9, 1889
1890 - December 25 - Infectious Disease
The Berlin police have given notice to all unlicensed sanatoriums, hotels, etc., in the city that consumptives and other patients suffering from infectious diseases who may be stopping at such places must leave within eight days, or the places will be closed.
The Toronto Daily Mail
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
December 25, 1890
The Berlin police have given notice to all unlicensed sanatoriums, hotels, etc., in the city that consumptives and other patients suffering from infectious diseases who may be stopping at such places must leave within eight days, or the places will be closed.
The Toronto Daily Mail
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
December 25, 1890
1895 - Berlin
Berlin, a city, capital of Prussia, and of the empire of Germany, 156 miles E.S.E, of Hamburg, 100 miles N. of Dresden, and about 700 miles N.E. of Paris. Lat. 52° 45' 16" N., lon. 13° 23'53" E.; elevation above the sea, 115 feet; mean temperature of the year, 48°.2; summer, 64°.5; winter, 31°.4 Fahrenheit. Berlin is by far the largest town in Germany, and for the beauty and size of its buildings, the regularity of its streets, the importance of its institutions of science and art, and its activity, industry, and trade, is one of the finest cities in Europe. It is built on a sandy plain on both banks of the Spree. The city was formerly walled, and entered by gates, one of which, the Brandenburg gate on its W., is in the style of the Parthenon, surmounted by an image of victory, in a car drawn by 4 horses, taken to Paris by Napoleon I., and brought back after his defeat by the Prussians...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Berlin, a city, capital of Prussia, and of the empire of Germany, 156 miles E.S.E, of Hamburg, 100 miles N. of Dresden, and about 700 miles N.E. of Paris. Lat. 52° 45' 16" N., lon. 13° 23'53" E.; elevation above the sea, 115 feet; mean temperature of the year, 48°.2; summer, 64°.5; winter, 31°.4 Fahrenheit. Berlin is by far the largest town in Germany, and for the beauty and size of its buildings, the regularity of its streets, the importance of its institutions of science and art, and its activity, industry, and trade, is one of the finest cities in Europe. It is built on a sandy plain on both banks of the Spree. The city was formerly walled, and entered by gates, one of which, the Brandenburg gate on its W., is in the style of the Parthenon, surmounted by an image of victory, in a car drawn by 4 horses, taken to Paris by Napoleon I., and brought back after his defeat by the Prussians...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1935 - March 22 – The world's first television program is transmitted from the Funkturm in Berlin, Germany
wikipedia.org
March 22, 1935
wikipedia.org
March 22, 1935
1942 - January 20 - Nazi officials hold notorious Wannsee conference in Berlin deciding on "final solution" calling for extermination of Europe's Jews
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1945 - Februray 3 - Almost 1,000 Flying Fortresses drop 3,000 tons of bombs on Berlin
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1945 - April 30 – Death of Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler and his wife of one day, Eva Braun, commit suicide as the Red Army approaches the Führerbunker in Berlin.
wikipedia.org
April 30, 1945
wikipedia.org
April 30, 1945
1945 - May 8 - Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) as Nazi Germany surrenders, marking the end of WWII in Europe, with the final surrender being to the Soviets in Berlin, attended by representatives of the Western Powers.
wikipedia.org
May 8, 1945
wikipedia.org
May 8, 1945
1948 - June 24 - Soviet Union begins Berlin Blockade
1948-11-30 - Soviets set up a separate municipal government in East Berlin
historyorb.com
1948-11-30 - Soviets set up a separate municipal government in East Berlin
historyorb.com
1961 - August 13 - Construction of the Berlin Wall begins in East Germany
historyorb.com
August 13, 1961
historyorb.com
August 13, 1961
1987 - June 12 - President Reagan gave the famous “Tear Down This Wall” speech, Berlin
The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com
June 12, 1987
The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com
June 12, 1987
Here's a list of places to visit and activities to enjoy in Berlin:
1. Brandenburg Gate: Start your journey with this iconic symbol of Berlin and Germany. It's a neoclassical gate that has witnessed much of the city's history.
2. Reichstag Building: Nearby is the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. You can visit the dome for panoramic views of the city.
3. Berlin Wall: Explore remnants of the Berlin Wall, such as the East Side Gallery, where artists have painted murals on the remaining sections.
4. Checkpoint Charlie: Visit this famous former border checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. There's a museum that tells the checkpoint's history.
5. Museum Island: This UNESCO World Heritage site houses several world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie.
6. Berlin Cathedral: Located on Museum Island, this stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and offers great views from its dome.
7. Holocaust Memorial: Pay your respects at the Memorial to the Murdered... Read MORE...
1. Brandenburg Gate: Start your journey with this iconic symbol of Berlin and Germany. It's a neoclassical gate that has witnessed much of the city's history.
2. Reichstag Building: Nearby is the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. You can visit the dome for panoramic views of the city.
3. Berlin Wall: Explore remnants of the Berlin Wall, such as the East Side Gallery, where artists have painted murals on the remaining sections.
4. Checkpoint Charlie: Visit this famous former border checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. There's a museum that tells the checkpoint's history.
5. Museum Island: This UNESCO World Heritage site houses several world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie.
6. Berlin Cathedral: Located on Museum Island, this stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and offers great views from its dome.
7. Holocaust Memorial: Pay your respects at the Memorial to the Murdered... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Berlin Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Berlin, Germany
We currently have information about 16 ancestors who were born or died in Berlin.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Berlin, Germany
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