The Picnic: An Escape to Freedom and the Collapse of the Iron Curtain

On August 19, 1989, a group of Hungarian activists crossed the border into the forbidden militarized zone of the Iron Curtain and held a picnic, setting the stage for the greatest border breach in Cold War history and the fall of the Berlin Wall. This book reconstructs the event and its tumultuous aftermath, drawing on dozens of original interviews with those involved.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

On August 13, 1989, a group of Hungarian activists made history by crossing the heavily militarized Iron Curtain and holding a picnic in the forbidden zone. The event, which was widely anticipated, had been sparked by rumors that thousands of East German holidaymakers were waiting at the border between Hungary and Austria, hoping to cross into the West. The stage was set for the greatest border breach in Cold War history, which would ultimately lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

To reconstruct this world-shaping event and its tumultuous aftermath, author Matthew Longo has conducted dozens of original interviews with those involved, including activists, border guards, escapees, and secret police. The book offers a vivid and fast-paced narrative that brings the dramatic events to life in vivid detail.

The fall of the Berlin Wall was a pivotal moment in 20th-century history, marking the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of global interconnectedness. The book explores the political, social, and cultural implications of the border breach, and how it shaped the world we live in today.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the personal stories of those who were involved in the border breach. Many of the activists had risked their lives to cross the border, and their stories of courage and determination are inspiring. They had witnessed firsthand the brutal repression of the Communist regime in East Germany and were determined to bring freedom and democracy to their fellow citizens.

The book also sheds light on the complex political and diplomatic negotiations that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was a moment of immense tension and uncertainty, as the world watched closely to see what would happen next. The book explores the role played by key figures.

The fall of the Berlin Wall was a moment of immense joy and celebration for millions of people around the world. It marked the end of a long and difficult period of oppression and tyranny and paved the way for a new era of freedom and democracy. The book captures the sense of euphoria and hope that accompanied this momentous event, and how it transformed the lives of those who had been living under the shadow of the Iron Curtain.

In conclusion, "The Fall of the Berlin Wall" is a gripping and compelling reconstruction of a world-changing event that had a profound impact on the course. Matthew Longo's book offers a vivid and fast-paced narrative that brings the dramatic events to life in vivid detail, and sheds light on the complex political and social implications of the border breach. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and global affairs.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847927798