Reichstag facts for kids
The Reichstag is a famous building in Berlin, Germany. It's also the name of the German parliament, which is like the main group of lawmakers for the country.
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What is the Reichstag?
The word "Reichstag" can mean two things. It can refer to the actual building where Germany's parliament meets. It can also mean the parliament itself, which is the group of people who make laws for the country. This parliament has been around for a long time, but its role and power have changed a lot throughout history.
The Reichstag Building
The Reichstag building is one of the most important and recognizable buildings in Berlin. It was built to be the home of the German parliament.
Building History and Design
Construction of the Reichstag building started in 1884 and finished in 1894. It was designed by the architect Paul Wallot. The building has a grand, classical style with a large dome. It was meant to show the power and importance of the German Empire.
Important Events at the Building
The Reichstag building has seen many key moments in German history. In 1918, the German Republic was declared from one of its balconies. This marked the end of the German Empire. A very famous and tragic event happened in 1933 when the building caught fire. This event was used by the Nazis to gain more power. After World War II, the building was badly damaged and remained unused for many years.
Modern Use of the Building
After Germany was reunified in 1990, the Reichstag building was renovated. A new glass dome was added, designed by architect Norman Foster. This new dome became a popular tourist attraction. Today, the Reichstag building is the meeting place for the Bundestag, which is the modern parliament of Germany. It's a symbol of German democracy and openness.
The Reichstag Parliament
The Reichstag also refers to the parliament, the group of elected representatives who make laws.
Early Parliaments
The idea of a parliament in Germany goes back many centuries. Different groups and assemblies met to discuss laws and important decisions. The Reichstag became the official parliament of the German Empire in 1871. During this time, it had some power, but the Emperor still held a lot of control.
The Weimar Republic Era
After World War I, Germany became a republic, known as the Weimar Republic (1919-1933). The Reichstag parliament during this time was much more powerful. It was a democratic body where different political parties debated and passed laws. However, this period was also very unstable, with many changes in government.
The Nazi Period
When the Nazis came to power in 1933, they quickly took away the power of the Reichstag. They used the Reichstag fire as an excuse to limit freedoms. The parliament stopped being a true democratic body. Laws were passed by the Nazi party, not through open debate.
Modern German Parliament
After World War II, Germany was divided. West Germany established a new parliament called the Bundestag. When Germany reunified in 1990, the Bundestag moved back into the renovated Reichstag building in Berlin. Today, the Bundestag is a strong democratic parliament. Its members are elected by the people, and they work to create laws and represent the citizens of Germany.
