Yesterday 32 years ago, Hungary opened their borders to let dozens of East Germans escape to West Germany. In a way, the start of the Germany of today. Stefan.
Stefan, This episode was well documented in a UK TV documentary series afterwards, the name of which escapes me now. Presumably this was a high level, political decision, unlike the low-level decision to open a gate in the Berlin Wall as the duty border guard officer could not get any order and decided not to shoot. My recollection is that the West German Embassy was packed and there were other concerns, e.g. public health.
There is a really wonderful film about this: "Bornholmer Straße". If you want to learn something about the German soul of the "simple man in uniform" (whether under the Kaiser, the Führer or afterwards in West or East Germany), you will be well served by this film. My favourite scene at the final phase: "Hooray - we finally have an order!!!" - and everyone in the guard sings and dances for joy......sooo absolutely German I know, I know.....it´s a little bit embarrassing.....ahem.....