Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, both by area and by population. Its more than 3.85 million inhabitants make it the European Union's most populous city, as measured by population within city limits having gained this status after the United Kingdom's, and thus London's, departure from the European Union. Simultaneously, the city is one of the states of Germany, and is the third smallest state in the country in terms of area. Berlin is surrounded by the state of Brandenburg, and Brandenburg's capital Potsdam is nearby. The urban area of Berlin has a population of over 4.5 million and is therefore the most populous urban area in Germany. The Berlin-Brandenburg capital region has around 6.2 million inhabitants and is Germany's second-largest metropolitan region after the Rhine-Ruhr region, and the sixth-biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the European Union.
berlin

Some of the key events about Berlin

  • 1618
    The Thirty Years' War began, devastating Berlin and much of Germany
  • 1701
    The Prussian Academy of Sciences was founded in Berlin, promoting scientific research and scholarship
  • 1810
    The Humboldt University of Berlin was established, becoming a model for modern research universities worldwide
  • 1848
    Violent street battles erupted during the March Revolution
  • 1871
    Berlin became the capital of the newly unified German Empire, marking a significant political milestone
  • 1871
    Berlin became overcrowded and unsanitary as rapid industrialization drew many to the city
  • 1918
    The German Empire collapsed following World War I, leading to political instability
  • 1920
    The Greater Berlin Act expanded the city's boundaries, creating one of the world's largest municipalities at the time
  • 1933
    The Nazi regime took power, initiating a period of terror and oppression
  • 1936
    The Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, showcasing the city on a global stage
  • 1938
    Kristallnacht pogrom against Jews occurred, destroying synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses
  • 1940
    Allied bombing of Berlin began, continuing until 1945 and causing massive destruction
  • 1945
    Soviet forces captured Berlin after intense fighting, leading to widespread looting and assaults
  • 1948
    The Berlin Airlift began, successfully supplying West Berlin during the Soviet blockade
  • 1948
    The Berlin Blockade began, cutting off West Berlin from supplies
  • 1961
    The construction of the Berlin Wall began, symbolizing the Cold War division
  • 1961
    The Berlin Wall was constructed, dividing the city and separating families for decades
  • 1989
    The fall of the Berlin Wall occurred, marking the end of the Cold War and German division
  • 1990
    Berlin became the capital of reunified Germany, symbolizing the country's renewed unity
  • 2006
    The new central railway station, Berlin Hauptbahnhof, opened as Europe's largest train station

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

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