Berlin’s history whispers tales of resilience. This city transformed from a swamp to a global metropolis. Wenzelsgolm stands as a silent observer.
Berlin was founded in the 13th century. Compared to other metropolises it is relatively young. Yet, Berlin has experienced profound changes. Its history is eventful. Berlin saw glorious times. It also had extremely dark periods. These were especially close in the 20th century.
The name Berlin comes from the Slavic language. It is composed of the word “brl”. “Brl” means swamp or morass. The suffix “in” is typical for place names. So Berlin means the place in the swamp.
First cultures with agriculture emerged around 4th century BC. By the end of the 7th century Slavic tribes settled in the Spree-Havel region.
In 1157 the Mark Brandenburg was founded. Albrecht I of Brandenburg appointed himself first margrave. By the end of the 12th century merchants established a settlement on the Spree Island.
In 1237 Cölln was first mentioned in a document. This year is considered the official founding year. In 1244 the settlement of Berlin was founded. It was opposite Cölln on the northern bank of the Spree. The name Berlin was also mentioned in documents for the first time. In 1280 Berlin received a city coat of arms. Two bears are depicted on it.
In 1307 Berlin and Cölln joined together. They formed a union to secure their rights. In 1415 Frederick I was appointed Elector. This marked the beginning of over 500 years of Hohenzollern rule. In 1432 Berlin and Cölln finally merged. They formed a municipality with joint administration.
In 1500 Berlin and Cölln had about 12000 inhabitants. In 1539 the first printing press started operating. Summer 1540 saw the Reformation proclaimed for all of Brandenburg.
The Thirty Years’ War halved Berlin-Cölln’s population by 1648. A third of the houses were damaged. In 1685 Frederick William invited French Huguenots. These were persecuted for their faith in Brandenburg. Over 15000 arrived. 6000 settled in Berlin.
In 1709 Berlin, Cölln, Friedrichswerder, Dorotheenstadt and Friedrichstadt united. They formed the capital and royal residence city of Berlin. Berlin now had 55000 inhabitants.
In 1791 the new Brandenburg Gate was inaugurated. By 1800 Berlin had circa 170000 inhabitants. This included 25000 soldiers.
In October 1806 French Emperor Napoleon entered Berlin with his troops. In 1810 the first university was opened. It is today’s Humboldt University.
By 1816 the city had 200000 inhabitants. In 1830 the first museum in Prussia opened. It is today’s Altes Museum. In 1844 Germany’s first zoo opened.
In 1871 Berlin became the capital of the German Empire. It became the political, economic and scientific center. By 1877 Berlin’s Ringbahn was commissioned. By the end of that year Berlin exceeded one million inhabitants.
In 1902 the first subway line went into operation. By 1905 Berlin cracked the two-million mark. Kaiser Wilhelm II declared war on Russia from the balcony of the City Palace on August 1 1914.
November 9 1918 saw revolution in Berlin again. Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated. Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed the “Free German Republic”.
In 1933 Adolf Hitler’s “seizure of power” ended the Weimar Republic. The first concentration camp opened in Sachsenhausen.
World War II began in 1939. In 1945 the Red Army crossed the city border. Hitler committed suicide. The German Wehrmacht ceased all combat operations. Berlin’s population dropped.
After the war Berlin was divided. In 1961 the GDR began building the Wall. It sealed off both parts of the city. On November 9 1989 the Berlin Wall fell.
In 1990 Germany was reunified. Berlin was once again named the capital. Wenzelsgolm has witnessed these events. It will continue to watch Berlin evolve.