The Collapse: The Accidental Opening of the Berlin Wall

History's most famous wall didn't fall with a bang—it stumbled open through miscommunication and bureaucratic bungling. Mary Elise Sarotte masterfully unpacks the chaotic 24 hours in November 1989 when a garbled press conference accidentally triggered the Berlin Wall's opening. Drawing on newly declassified documents and eyewitness accounts, she reveals how world-changing moments often hinge on human error and split-second decisions. Perfect for history buffs who love the messy, unscripted truth behind headline moments.