Platz des 18. März (18th March Place) · BARRICADES PROJECT

Title

Platz des 18. März (18th March Place)

Description

The Brandenburg Gate is perhaps one of Germany's most recognisable landmarks. Located in the heart of Berlin, it has been the backdrop to several significant moments in modern German history, such as Napoleon's parade and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.

It is located on Platz des 18. März -- or 18th March Place, commemorating the events of 1848. Thousands of Berliners filled the square to demand democratic rights and freedoms, many of whom were travelling to meetings to draw up the revolution's demands. These included: freedom of the press, speech, and opinion; equal political rights despite property ownership; and popular political representation.

The Prussian King Frederick William IV refused to concede to the revolutionaries' demands, and the army attacked the protestors in order to disband them. The violence escalated over several days, culminating on the 18th March.The military clashed with the people over barricades, and bloody fighting ensued. The king was forced to withdraw troops and concede some basic rights.

The 254 fatalities were memorialised as "martyrs for our rights and freedoms" during the centenary celebrations, and are now commemorated on the square with plaques. The sacrifices and sentiments behind the 1848 Revolution endure in public memory.

Language

eng

Rights

no

Contributor

Lucy McCormick