Obama did not speak in front of the Brandenburg Gate, but the Victory Column (German: Siegessäule) — designed by Heinrich Strack after 1864 to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian War, by the time it was inaugurated on 2 September 1873, Prussia had also defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), giving the statue a new purpose. Different from the original plans, these later victories in the so-called Unification Wars inspired the addition of the bronze sculpture of Victoria, 8.3 meters high and weighing 35 tonnes, designed by Friedrich Drake. Berliners, with their fondness for giving nicknames to famous buildings, call the statue Goldelse, meaning something like “Golden Lizzy”.

The column itself consists of four solid blocks of sandstone, three of which are decorated by cannon barrels captured from the enemies of the aforementioned three wars. The fourth ring is decorated with golden garlands and was added in 1938–39 when the column was moved to its present location. The relief decoration had to be removed at the request of the French forces in 1945, probably to prevent Germans from being reminded of former victories, especially the defeat of the French in 1871. It was restored for the 750th anniversary of Berlin in 1987 by the French president at that time, François Mitterrand.

That location symbolizes issues regarding victory in times of great struggle through the use of military strength and determination – quite ironic given Obama’s speech catering to the fascist liberals of Europe.

Barely five minutes before the speech was supposed to start, ZDF Berlin studio chief Peter Frey added, “We do estimate that 20,000 [literally, "a couple of ten thousand"] people have turned out.” Frey’s tone reflected the gap between the relatively modest number cited and the lofty predictions that had preceded the event.

During the Cold War, the American, British, and French military forces stationed in West Berlin would hold a parade in Berlin every year, marking the end of WWII. We marched down through the Großer Stern (Great Star), a large intersection on the city axis that leads from the former Berliner Stadtschloss (Berlin City Palace) through the Brandenburg Gate to the western parts of the city.

If any place in Berlin speaks to the legitmate use of military force as a legitimate tool for the extension of state power, the Victory Column would do it. The photos of Obama’s speech clearly shows that only the narrow street filled with people, with gaps – so the 20,000 estimate is more credible.

Thanks again, Mr. Hillman, for a great article!