Capital City

Bonn and Berlin: The capital of Germany

Capital of Germany

The capital city of Germany is Bonn and Berlin. When we think of the capital of Germany, most of us immediately think of Berlin. The city of Berlin has long been the capital of Germany however some time ago the Germany had two capitals Berlin and Bonn. If this fact confuses you so you should not worry because throughout this article we explain everything you should know about it.

As you will see below, the German capital has an impressive historical base and a very appealing present!

The capital of Germany

Germany after World War II

As you will no doubt know Germany was the leading country in the events of World War II. When this international conflict was over (in 1945 in Europe and in 1948 in the Pacific) the city of Berlin, which was the state capital at that time, was completely destroyed. On the other hand Germany was under great international pressure and while trying to rebuild its economy and its cities the country was occupied by Russian and American troops.

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In this context, the Cold War between the two main powers of the moment, Germany was divided in two. In this way the former state of Germany became two: the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). While the latter continued with its capital in Berlin, the first founded its own in the city of Bonn.

As you probably already know, the situation grew worse so that in 1961 the Berlin Wall was built, separating the two republics and making contact between the German inhabitants on both sides of the wall impossible. The situation would not change until 1990 when, at last, the famous fall of the wall occurred and Germany was reunited. During the reunification the capital of the GDR remained and Bonn lost its role as capital.

Interesting facts about Bonn and Berlin

Capital of Federal Germany: Bonn

The city of Bonn has a lot of history. Were the Romans wanted to build a settlement in antiquity? According to the documentary sources of the time the city was created in the year 10 act in a place that received the name of Bonna. This makes some researchers think that there may have been a Celtic settlement before the arrival of the Romans since bonna, in some Celtic languages, means city. The Roman settlement, of accused military character, happened to receive the name of Castro Bonnensia.

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During the time of the German invasions, which precipitated the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was relegated to abandonment. However in the middle Ages, during the Carolingian Empire, the city regained its former splendor by becoming an important religious center. From this time the city enjoyed great political and economic importance since princes and archbishops chose it to construct its residence in her. And so, over the centuries the city experienced a great cultural and commercial development until the time of the World Wars.

Capital of Germany … Bonn?

Since the twenties the city was occupied by troops of different origins and, as we have explained, when the country was divided into two Bonn became the capital of the RFA. When in 1990 Bonn lost its capital status many people thought that the city would lose all its protagonism. However they were wrong. The city continued to enjoy a great political personality as it became the headquarters of the United Nations Organization.

In short: the capital of West Germany was Bonn. Also speaking of the capital of Germany before the fall of the wall.

Capital of Germany: Berlin

Berlin has been the capital since the 18th century. Unlike Bonn Berlin was not founded until the 13th century. Nevertheless, in spite of its much more modern foundation, the city of Berlin, founded like Kolln in the year 1237, always enjoyed of great political importance. Berlin was named capital of the Kingdom of Prusia in the year 1701. When this kingdom disappeared Berlin maintained its capital now belonging to the newly founded Weimar Republic and continued to exercise that role during the Third Reich, from the year 1933. After the separation of Germany in two Berlin maintained its capital in the GDR and later, with the reunification, returned to be the capital of all the German state.

During all these years the city of Berlin has become one of the most influential in the European Union and around the world. However we should not identify the city solely with the important political and economic role it develops. The city of Berlin is also a very important artistic and cultural center. In fact its protagonism in this aspect is such that the city was elected in 2006 as a Creative City by UNESCO. A few years later, in 2009, Berlin was again awarded a very special prize: Prince of Asturias Award of Concord.

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