Timeline of Events in the Reunification of Germany
Step One – Building the Field
Discuss with your class the major events in the reunification
of Germany, from the end of World War Two until the reestablishment of the parliament in Berlin.
Step Two– Understanding Chronological Order
Discuss with students what is meant by chronological order,
providing simple examples from your or their own lives. When
you feel students have a good understanding of chronology,
have them rewrite the events from Worksheet 1 in their
exercise books in the correct order.
Step Three - Assessment
Individually, or in pairs, have the students plot the correct
order of events on a timeline. Depending on the level of the
class, you may need to guide them in the design of the timeline
(e.g. 1cm = 1 year). They only need to use the information in
bold as the label for each event. Have them illustrate the
timeline with pictures they find on the internet.
© German Language Consultants, 2005
Curriculum K-12 Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training
WORKSHEET 1
5th May 1955
FDR becomes sovereign state
24th June 1948
Berlin Blockade begins
The Soviet Union shuts off access to West Berlin's railroads,
highways and waterways.
26th June 1963
US President Kennedy supports West Berlin
This places Berlin on the world stage, and forces acknowledgement of
the city’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
17th June 1953
General strikes in East Germany
General strikes herald the first uprising against the communist
government
2nd August 1945
Division of Germany and Berlin
The Allies (USA, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union) divide
Germany and Berlin into 4 sectors
19th April 1999
Parliament back in Berlin
The German government officially returns to Berlin
12th May 1949
Berlin Blockade ends
13th August 1961
Berlin Wall established
The wall divides the city into two. The German Democratic Republic
calls it the “Anti-Fascist Protection Wall”
24th May 1949
The Federal Republic of Germany (FDR) is established
3rd October 1990
Germany reunites
12th June 1987
US President Reagan urges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachov to
tear down the wall
21st June 1991
Berlin renamed as capital
The German parliament votes to rename Berlin as the capital of a
unified Germany
7th October 1949
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) is established
9th November 1989 The fall of the wall
The German Democratic Republic officially opens the wall after weeks
of mass demonstrations
© German Language Consultants, 2005
Curriculum K-12 Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training
WORKSHEET 1 (Answer sheet)
2nd August 1945
Division of Germany and Berlin
The Allies (USA, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union) divide
Germany and Berlin into 4 sectors
24th June 1948
Berlin Blockade begins
The Soviet Union shuts off access to West Berlin's railroads,
highways and waterways.
12th May 1949
Berlin Blockade ends
24th May 1949
The Federal Republic of Germany (FDR) is established
7th October 1949
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) is esatblished
17th June 1953
General strikes in East Germany
General strikes herald the first uprising against the communist
government
5th May 1955
FDR becomes sovereign state
13th August 1961
Berlin Wall established
The wall divides the city into two. The German Democratic Republic
calls it the “Anti-Fascist Protection Wall”
26th June 1963
US President Kennedy supports West Berlin
This places Berlin on the world stage, and forces acknowledgement of
the city’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
12th June 1987
US President Reagan urges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachov to
tear down the wall
9th November 1989 The fall of the wall
The German Democratic Republic officially opens the wall after weeks
of mass demonstrations
3rd October 1990
Germany reunites
21st June 1991
Berlin renamed as capital
The German parliament votes to rename Berlin as the capital of a
unified Germany
19th April 1999
Parliament back in Berlin
The German government officially returns to Berlin
© German Language Consultants, 2005
Curriculum K-12 Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training