The History of Spandau
The History of Spandau

Spandau's history began in the eighth century. At this time a Slavic tribe called the Heveller assembled in the favorable region where the rivers Havel and Spree converge. This settled area became even larger when a castle was later built in the vicinity. A wooden barrier was built surrounding the castle, the remains of which may still be seen today.

928 The fortress was conquered by the German king Heinrich I.
937 - 983 The Great Slavic Rebellion.
The Driving Out of Heinrich I.
Entry of the Ottomen.
1156 The Askanisch Earl "Albrecht The Bear" assumes rule and takes the Havelland into his possession. Spandau is appointed the seat of the country's administration.
1197 The first mention of Spandau in a document. - In this document, which describes the appointment of a royal official, the location is referred to as " Spandowe ".
Time of the Askanischen Rule. Building of the Spandau Citadel Begins.
1232 Spandau becomes a City.
1319 The Building of a City Wall.
1539 Elector Joachim II. converts to Protestantism.
1559 - 1594 The Spandau Citadel is completed by Elector Joachim II.
1644 The powerful Elector Friedrich Wilhelm builds up a sizeable army and the "City" develops into a Military Base.
1722 The first gun factory is established by King Friedrich Wilhelm I.
1806 The French assume possession of Spandau after the battle between the cities Jena and Auerstedt.
Napoleon moves into the city and remains there for two years.
1813 Prussian troops are made into compulsory allies in a movement towards peace. Napoleon returns to the city and stations 3000 soldiers and 115 weapons inside the Spandau Citadel.
The unrest characterizing the beginning of the 1900's paves the way for reforms.
1903 Annulment of Spandau's Status as a City-Fortress.
The Siemens Factory is built.
1910-1913 The Founding of Spandau's City Hall.
1914 A part of Spandau is named "Siemensstadt" after the Siemens company.
1920 Spandau loses its status as an independent city, officially becoming Berlin's 8th Administrative District.

"Die Spandauer", the people of Spandau, are known for their outspoken protests against their city's assimiliation into Berlin. Even today many citizens long for the day when Spandau can return to its historical status as a free and independent city-republic.
After the Second World War Spandau became part of West Berlin's British Sector.
Although Spandau is now reknowned as an industrial center, remnants of the city's military past are still visible in the form of its many old military buildings and barracks.





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