Topic 3: History of Germany

Lesson Objective

The student will explain how the Brandenburg Gate has been the scene of significant moments in Germany’s history.

Materials and Resources

Handout 6 - “Timeline of the Brandenburg Gate”

Transparency 21 - “Pictures of the Brandenburg Gate 1806, 1918, 1933”

Transparency 21A - “Pictures of the Brandenburg Gate 1945, 1953, 1961”

Transparency 21B - “Pictures of the Brandenburg Gate 1963, 1976, 1987”

Transparency 21C - “Pictures of the Brandenburg Gate 1989, 2000”

Strategies

Berlin is one of Germany’s most important cities – not only due to its status of being the nation’s capital but also because of its rich history and its prosperous and young cultural scene. Berlin, unlike Cologne or Hamburg, is not a particularly old city but its history – having been divided for almost half a century into two totally different countries – is unique.

The Brandenburg Gate and its surrounding is the most famous site to visit in Berlin. “The German issue will remain open as long as the Brandenburg Gate is closed”, the Mayor of former West Berlin, Richard von Weizäcker, described the situation in the early 1980s.

Begin the lesson by having students locate the city of Berlin on the map of Germany. Next, distribute Handout 6, “Time Line of the Brandenburg Gate” and discuss the significant events with students.

Finally, distribute Transparencies 21-21C “Pictures of the Brandenburg Gate” and have students use the information learned in the time line to determine the date on which each photograph was taken.

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