The bombing during WWII was horrific. Tens of thousands of people died during the attacks and all of them were civilians

World War II's Final Year
Germany in 1945 was a nation in ruins.
Key Events:
April 30: Adolf Hitler's death in Berlin bunker
May 7: Germany's unconditional surrender (V-E Day)
Allied occupation zones established (US, Britain, France, USSR)
Potsdam Conference (July-August): Post-war reorganization
Devastation:
3.2 million German soldiers killed
3.5 million civilians dead or missing
5 million displaced persons
40% of infrastructure destroyed
Economy shattered
Occupation and Rebuilding:
Denazification: Removing Nazi influence
Demilitarization: Disbanding German military
Democratization: Establishing democratic institutions
Economic reforms: Introduction of Deutsche Mark (1948)
Division and Reunification:
1949: East Germany (GDR) and West Germany (FRG) established
1961: Berlin Wall erected
1989: Fall of Berlin Wall
1990: German reunification
Germany's 1945 marked the end of Nazi rule and the beginning of a long reconstruction process.

Looking towards Bristol Bridge with Temple Meads approach behind camera(R) Like the old railway bridge, the ‘old’ George & Railway Hotel and Grosvenor Hotel were built during the Age of Steam. Both buildings became cut off on an island as adjacent road improvements evolved from the 1960s. Changes continue to this day, even this 2019 ’Now’ is out of date!

Engineering marvel : First steel-wire suspension bridge
Iconic landmark : Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan
Industrial and commercial hub : Streetcars, railroads, and shipping
Population growth : Brooklyn's population doubled (1880-1920)
Now (1950s-Present)
Renovations and restorations (1950s-1980s)
Historic designation (1966): National Historic Landmark
Tourist attraction : 120+ million visitors annually
Cultural icon : Featured in art, literature, and film
Modern transportation : Pedestrian and bike paths
Transformation
From industrial artery to recreational destination
Shift from functional to iconic landmark
Preservation of history, embracing modern usage
Today
1.6-mile promenade : Stunning city views
Nighttime lighting : Spectacular display
Community events : Fireworks, festivals, and parades
Brooklyn Bridge's enduring legacy:
Engineering innovation
Cultural significance
Timeless symbol of New York City
The Brooklyn Bridge connects past and present, uniting two boroughs and generations.....??

The world is full of beautiful old historical buildings that connect us to the past, but too many are lost to decay or thoughtless development. Restoration can give us glimpses into what they might have looked like decades or centuries ago

Community Days December 2020! Send us your most beautiful Then/Now picture in WW2! Go out and find history next to your door! We select the most beautiful pictures and show them every day here on D-Day History during the Community days in december! Not only Normandy it doesn’t matter, world wide! Become part of D-Day History and show the community your most beautiful photo! Let's go

The Lincoln Memorial, a symbol of American democracy, has stood the test of time.
Then (1914-1960s):
Dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln
Designed by Henry Bacon, inspired by ancient Greek temples
Sculptor Daniel Chester French's iconic statue of Lincoln
Civil Rights Movement hub: Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech
Now:
National Park Service maintenance ensures preservation
Ongoing restoration projects (e.g., 2019-2020 refurbishment)
Enhanced security measures post-9/11
Accessibility improvements for visitors
Continued symbol of freedom, equality, and American values
Milestones:
1939: Marian Anderson's historic concert
1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
2020: 57th anniversary of King's speech
The Lincoln Memorial remains an enduring beacon of American history, freedom, and human rights.
Visitors:
Over 7 million annually.

Vasagatan, a major street in Stockholm's city center, has undergone significant changes.
Then (19th-20th centuries):
Bustling commercial hub with shops, restaurants, and hotels
Grand architecture, including the iconic Central Post Office Building
Horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles shared the street
Vibrant nightlife with theaters and dance halls
Now:
Modern, pedestrian-friendly design with widened sidewalks
Tram lines and bike lanes prioritize sustainable transport
Contemporary architecture blends with historic buildings
Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Nearby: Stockholm Central Station, City Terminal, and Arlanda Express
Revitalization Efforts:
1960s-70s: Urban renewal projects
2010s: Vasagatan renovation, improving infrastructure and public spaces
Today, Vasagatan is a thriving, cosmopolitan hub, balancing heritage and innovation.
Interesting Fact:
Vasagatan is named after King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), a key figure in Swedish history.

US troops resting after the liberation! Community Days Then/Now in 2021! Send us your most beautiful Then/Now picture! Go out and find history next to your door! We select the most beautiful pictures and show them every day here on D-Day History during the Community Days! Not only Normandy it doesn’t matter! Become part of D-Day History and show the Community your most beautiful photo! Let's go! Thx to Philip Cole (via Facebook) for the support and pictures!

Believe it or not, but the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world counts its existence for 11,000 years as of today. The town, Damascus, is the Syrian capital city, and astonishingly enough, not much has changed behind this ancient city's walls. However, not many towns keep the same faces for such a long time, often changing and evolving. Sometimes the city development makes it even more beautiful, but as it is in a more often case, the alluring greenery and historical houses have to make way for skyscrapers in the ever-changing city skyline

Then (Pre-2005)
Vibrant cultural hub, rich in history and music (jazz, blues)
Thriving tourism industry (French Quarter, Bourbon Street)
Economic challenges: poverty, crime, and decay
Hurricane Katrina (2005): devastating flooding, displacement
Now (Post-2005)
Resilient rebirth and revitalization
Rebuilding and renewal: $14 billion invested
Economic growth: tourism, entrepreneurship, and innovation
Diverse cultural landscape: arts, music, and cuisine
Population growth (393,000+)
Transformation
From vulnerable to resilient city
Shift from decline to economic growth
Preservation of heritage, embracing modernity
Challenges Remain
Affordable housing and gentrification
Infrastructure and flood protection
Economic inequality and crime
Progress
Revitalized neighborhoods (Bywater, Treme)
Thriving food and music scenes
Enhanced tourism infrastructure
New Orleans' spirit:
Resilience and adaptability
Cultural preservation and innovation
Community-driven rebirth
Today, New Orleans blends tradition with progress.