On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany were officially reunified, ending more than four decades of division caused by the Cold War. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 had led to a wave of popular protests and reunification efforts. The event marked a significant moment in European history and symbolized the triumph of democratic ideals over communist oppression. Reunification was challenging, as the East faced economic difficulties and a legacy of state control. Nonetheless, the reunification of Germany remains a powerful symbol of hope and transformation in modern Europe.