Tear Down This Wall

About

Ronald Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech, delivered on June 12, 1987, at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, was a pivotal moment in Cold War history. The speech, part of Berlin's 750th anniversary celebrations, directly challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall, a potent symbol of the division between East and West. Reagan's words were amplified across both sides of the wall, reaching East and West Germans alike. The speech framed the Berlin Wall as a barrier to freedom and peace, urging Gorbachev to embrace reform and openness. Despite internal opposition from some advisors, Reagan insisted on including the controversial phrase, believing it was crucial to convey his commitment to freedom and democracy. The speech's impact was significant, contributing to the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and marking a turning point in the Cold War.