Reference no: EM13896421

The German freeways are known as autobahn. The history of German autobahn dated back to 1913, when Germans built the first motorway. The 19 km road was built on an experimental basis. During that period, Italy also began to build express highways. When Italy opened up its express highways, Germany built its "car only roads" between Düsseldorf and Opladen. In 1932 they created another link of road between Cologne and Bonn. The early highways lacked medians and even when it was made, the shoulders were missing.

Adolf Hitler in 1930s, understood the importance of highways and started a program called Reischsautobahnen, which had connected north-south and east-west of Germany. The first Reischsautobahnen was opened in 1935 between Frankfurt and Darmstadt. Hitler thought that it would increase the employment opportunities and help rapid military movements. By the end of the World War II, German freeway or autobahn had a total area of 2100 kilometers. After the World War II, the German highways or autobahns continued to expand and by 1990 it covered an area of 8800 km.

After the German unification, the conditions of the East German roads were pathetic. It remained in a condition as it was in 1945. The precarious conditions of East German autobahns forced the German government to start a program on war footing to improve the autobahns. The inclusion of East German autobahns and further additions extended the German highways more than 12000 km by 2004. The vast network of autobahn created finest roads in the world, which was second only to the superhighway of United States. Germany was the cross road to other European countries. In short, the high speed motorway made Germany the industrial hub of modern Europe.

The fall of Berlin Wall in 1989 was a historic event. The fall of the Berlin wall unified both the country and families. All the states of communist bloc in Eastern Europe became independent. It was the clear sign of the end of the cold war The iron curtain had fallen apart and it marked the collapse of once mighty Soviet Union. It was a victory for the western democratic powers and in the long run, it resulted in the unification of Europe or European Union (EU)
The highways of Germany changed the life of German people. It enabled the Germans to travel fast without speed limits. Autobahns became a part of the German culture, since it had long history. It is passing along the beautiful landscapes with wide range of amenities. Gas stations and cafeterias have enriched the cultural life of people. Above all, it has provided access to various beautiful tourist