Berlins most influential era was from
1910-1936. At that time it matured as the capital and largest metropolis of the newly formed nation state Germany (1871) for 50 years. Since
1920 it was one of the 5 largest municipalities in the world (along with NYC and L.A.)
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Germany itself was at that point arguably the most industrially and technologically advanced nation state in the world and Berlin led many advances in infrastructure, housing and urban quality of life standards. One of the
first Autobahns in the world was built in Berlin (
1921). In
1940 Berlin peaked with a population of 4 million having one of the most extensive rail based public transport systems in the world (trams, underground, urban rail, high speed rail of 160 km/h (99 mph)).
Germany in that era was home of the most Noble Prize Winners in the world and
Berlin became a focal point of science. Think of
Einstein. Think of the
invention of TV. Culturally
Berlin peaked as well.
German expressionist artist evolved. The film industry in Berlin was the second most influential in the world after L.A.
New movie genres like thriller or horror were invented in Berlin. The dramatic zenith of Berlin was probably the celebration of the
1936 Olympics (of course controversial from a current point of view). New standards like the Olympic torch relay or live television broadcasting that are still valid today were introduced to the Olympics.
After 1936......, well, you know the story.
Since the city´s reunification in
1990,
Berlin is steadily reforming itself. After 1999 it became the capital and the seat of the most administrative institutions of a unified Germany. It is now part of the Eurozone and the EU. Since
early 2000s the cultural scene began to flourish because of international artists who flocked to the city. (Does anybody remember the Techno Loveparade ?) Expats and intellectuals saw this time as a mix of 1960s Hippie San Francisco, 1970s derelict NYC, and laid back cheap Barcelona of the 1990s. It became a
cosmopolitan hipster heaven with a Germanic touch. Since
2010 Berlin is gaining economic relevance, that was absent from 1945-2005. Its now one of Europes most rapidly growing
start up hotspots and a center for venture capitalists. Tourism, creative industries, research, real estate deals, and building activities are booming. From 2014-2017 the
Berlin population and active workforce grew by 40.000 a year.