Brandenburg Gate (1788)

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the best known symbols of Berlin and Germany. The monument is situated on the Straße des 17. Juni, that cuts through the big Tiergarten in Berlin. Nearby are the Reichstag and the Holocaust Monument, both very prominent symbols of the city as well.

Historical Background

During the 18th century, Prussia was allied to England and the Dutch Republic. In 1782 however, the rebellion in the Republic against Stadtholder William V threatened the friendly relations. Important in this matter too, was the wife of William V, Wilhelmina of Prussia. She was the sister of the King of Prussia, Frederick William II. When she was caught by the patriotic rebellion, her brother did not hesitate to invade the Republic. In 1787 the patriots were chased away to France. To commemorate the reaffirmed alliance between Great Britain, Prussia and the Dutch Republic, the King of Prussia ordered the Brandenburg Gate to be built. At the time it was placed at the western borders of the city, so people travelling in the direction of the Dutch Republic and England would be reminded of the friendly ties to these countries.