The Reichstag, Berlin

             Another location that I will visit as part of CETS is the Reichstag in Berlin. This historic building currently houses the German parliament and has been the site much turbulence and change throughout the twentieth century. The building, designed by Paul Wallot, was completed in 1894 (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). The intention behind the construction was to create a place to represent the unification of Germany that occurred in 1871. This large, neo-Renaissance building was created to signify a new “German Reich” and to house the Bundestag, known in English as the German Federal Parliament (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). At the time of its original completion the Reichstag did have a dome made of glass and steel.

            Throughout the twentieth century, the Reichstag took significant damage. In 1933, the Reichstag suffered damage as the result of a serious fire. The Nazi party, which was then in power, utilized the instance of the fire to justify the imprisonment of political enemies, particularly communists. However, even today, there is much uncertainty over what happened to actually cause the fire. (World site guides,” 2011). The Reichstag was a target for Allied bombings during air raids in World War II. It also became a major target for Soviet forces during the Battle of Berlin. (“World site guides,” 2011). The result of this damage the original dome over the top of the building was demolished in 1954 (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). There was significant debate over whether the building should be completely demolished, but ultimately it was decided that the Reichstag building should be restored.

            Restoration of the Reichstag was completed in 1961. The Budestag had moved to Bonn, which was the capital of West Germany, so the purpose of the Reichstag became to host meetings and exhibitions about German history (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). After the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, it was decided that the Reichstag should once again be the seat of the German parliament. Once again the Reichstag underwent significant reconstruction, and the cupola, or dome, which was rebuilt reflects natural light into the building (“World site guides,” 2011). This honored the original design as well as provided a symbol of transparency for the new unified German government.

            The inscription placed above the Reichstag’s entrance, “Dem Deutschen Volk” or “To the German Nation” is a famous reminder of the purpose of this historic building (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). Throughout the twentieth century, the Reichstag has played a central role in German history and is definitely a must see stop on my travels through Central Europe.

References:

Berlin.de. Reichstag. Retrieved from http://www.berlin.de/orte/sehenswuerdigkeiten/reichstag/index.en.php

World site guides. Reichstag, Berlin. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.worldsiteguides.com/   europe/germany/berlin/reichstag/

Picture References:

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/c7/1d/52/parliament-building-reichstag.jpg
http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/pix/baubilanz/regierungsgebaeude/reichstag.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/gallery3/var/albums/wwii0266.jpg?m=1365562530