Launch of the Berlin U-Bahn's first line

On August 22, 1902, Berlin inaugurated its first U-Bahn line from Stralauer Tor to Potsdamer Platz, a 2.5-mile route that introduced rapid electric rail transit to the city. Designed by Siemens and built amid rapid industrialization, it used third-rail power and innovative steel cars capable of 30 mph speeds. Key figures included engineer August Borsig and city planners addressing overcrowding from horse trams. The line alleviated street congestion, supported Berlin's growth as an industrial powerhouse, and set standards for subway design across Europe. Engineering feats included tunneling under the Spree River. Its opening coincided with the rise of electric traction, influencing global metro systems. The U-Bahn's legacy endures in today's extensive network, symbolizing efficient urban mobility and preserved in museums for enthusiasts.