 "History Today: When Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled")
Checkpoint Charlie, the iconic border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, was officially dismantled on June 22, 1990. It stood as a powerful symbol of the ideological divide between the United States and the Soviet Union during one of the most tense periods in modern history.
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On this day in 1986, Diego Maradona etched his name into footballing immortality by scoring one of the sport’s most infamous goals against England and subsequently coining the unforgettable phrase “Hand of God”.
Here is all that happened on this day.
Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled
One of the most iconic symbols of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie, was dismantled on June 22, 1990. It was a reminder of the Cold War-era division between East and West Berlin. The pulling down of the checkpost is a powerful moment that marked the reunification of Germany and the fading away of the Iron Curtain.
Located at the intersection of Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse, Checkpoint Charlie was established by the US military in 1961, shortly after the Berlin Wall was constructed. It served as the only designated crossing point for Allied military personnel, diplomats, and foreign visitors between East and West Berlin. The name “Charlie” came from the Nato phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie).
Over the years, it witnessed several dramatic events, including standoffs between American and Soviet tanks in October 1961, and numerous escape attempts by East Germans trying to flee to the West, some of them successful, others tragically fatal. For many, Checkpoint Charlie became an enduring image of the Cold War's human cost.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the rapid political changes in East Germany, the checkpoint’s significance faded. By June 1990, as East and West Germany moved towards reunification, Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled in a symbolic act marking the end of division and confrontation.
Maradona coins the phrase “Hand of God”
One of the most controversial goals in the history of football was scored on this day in 1986. It was the quarter-final of the Fifa World Cup played between Argentina and England when Diego Maradona scored this iconic goal at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The goal is often referred to as the ‘Hand of God’.
In the 51st minute of the game, Maradona leapt into the air near England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his left hand to punch the ball into the net. The referees missed the foul, and the goal was allowed to stand, sparking outrage among English fans and players. Just minutes later, Maradona scored again, this time dribbling past five English players in what is widely regarded as the ‘Goal of the Century.’
At a press conference after the game, Maradona cheekily described the first goal as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” The phrase stuck, becoming one of the most famous quotes in football history and cementing Maradona’s reputation as both a genius and a provocateur.
Argentina went on to win the match 2–1 and ultimately lifted the 1986 World Cup, with Maradona as captain and star player. The “Hand of God” incident became a symbol of of the Argentinian player’s brilliance, cunning and controversial legacy.
This Day, That Year
On this day in 1978, the largest moon of Pluto Charon was discovered.
In 1955, the animated musical Lady and the Tramp was released in US theatres.
Napoleon abdicated as French emperor for the second time on this day in 1815.
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