The uniting of east and west germany was a symbol of

the fall of communism

Explanation:

Germany was divided into West and East Germany after the end of the World War II. The division was made in accordance to the spheres of influence that the Allied forces agreed between themselves. The East was under the control of the Soviets, and even a wall was made in the capital Berlin to divide the people. The division of Germany was a prime example of the polarization of the world in that period of time, being divided into a capitalist part and a communist part. While the capitalist part was thriving, the communist one was in big trouble and the people were suffering. The people started to protest, march, and eventually they took down the wall that was separating them, marking the unification of the country again, which also became a symbol of the fall of the Iron Curtain set by the communism, and fall of the communism and its power as well.

the allies overtook outlying islands to make access to japan easier.