In 1945, following Germany’s defeat in World War II, the country was left under the control of the Allied Powers. Germany was divided into four zones, each governed by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. This division eventually led to the emergence of West Germany and East Germany, primarily due to the escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Germany remained divided for 45 years, but the political landscape shifted in 1990 with the fall of the Berlin Wall. The official reunification of Germany into a single state occurred on October 3, 1990.
The Two Plus Four Agreement
The reunification process officially began with the signing of the Two Plus Four Agreement. A conference for the reunification of Germany was proposed in February 1990, and the final agreement was signed on September 12, 1990.
The Two Plus Four Treaty was a negotiation involving East and West Germany, along with the four World War II Allied Powers: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. This treaty restored Germany’s sovereignty, permitted its membership in NATO, confirmed the country’s borders, and established a specific timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign troops.
Berlin was also reinstated as the capital of the newly reunified Germany.
The Official Day of German Unity
October 3rd is celebrated annually in Germany as the National Day of German Unity. This day officially recognizes the dissolution of the political structures of post-war Germany and signifies the end of the divided country.
Despite enduring years of challenges stemming from decades of division, Germany’s primary goal has always been to unify into a single state. The nation faced economic and social challenges as it sought to integrate West Germany’s market-oriented economy with East Germany’s centrally planned economy. While the repercussions of this division are still felt today, significant improvements have been made, and the country observes October 3rd as the day when the division officially came to an end.