Step 1: Historical background
- The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 during the Cold War to separate East Berlin (controlled by the Soviet Union) and West Berlin (supported by the Western Allies).
- It became a symbol of division between the communist East and the democratic West.
Step 2: Event of tearing down
- In 1989, due to mounting public protests, political reforms in Eastern Europe, and the weakening control of the Soviet Union, the East German government announced relaxation of border controls.
- On November 9, 1989, crowds of East and West Germans gathered at the Berlin Wall, and people began tearing it down.
Step 3: Analyzing options
- 1989: Correct year when the Berlin Wall fell.
- 1991: Year marking the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but not related to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- 1995 and 1996: Too late and historically incorrect.
Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the Berlin Wall was torn down by the people of East Germany in 1989.
\[
\boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (A) 1989}}
\]