State Historical Society of Iowa

"Tear Down this Wall" June 12, 1987

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Courtesy of Reagan Presidential Library, "Tear Down this Wall" June 12, 1987

Description

President Ronald Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech marked his visit to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on June 12, 1987, following the G7 summit meeting in Venice. As Reagan spoke, his words were amplified to both sides of the Berlin Wall, reaching both East and West Germans. The speech is often viewed as the beginning of the end of the Cold War, with the wall separating East and West Germany coming down November 9. 1989.

Transcription coming soon.

Source Dependent Questions

  • Why did Reagan address his remarks about the wall specifically to the Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev? Consider the context for this speech at the end of Reagan's presidency. Did his rhetoric toward the Soviet Union change or stay consistent? Use evidence from the INF and the Defense Spending Speeches.
  • How did Reagan in his speech seek to prove that life in West Germany was superior to life in the Communist East? How did this characterization show the methods the United States used to win the war of ideals? How effective do you think this was in convincing nations or people American ideals were in their best interests?

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