"tear down this wall"

Definition

'Tear down this wall' is a famous phrase from a speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan on June 12, 1987, in West Berlin, urging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall. This call symbolized the broader struggle against the division of Europe and the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism during the Cold War. Reagan's words became a rallying cry for those advocating for freedom and unity in a divided Europe, marking a pivotal moment in the efforts to end the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Tear down this wall' was delivered at the Brandenburg Gate, a significant historical site symbolizing division and reunification in Germany.
2. 'Reagan's speech emphasized freedom, calling upon Gorbachev to act decisively against the oppressive regime in East Germany and other Eastern Bloc countries.'
3. 'The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 came just over two years after Reagan's speech and marked a significant turning point in the Cold War.'
4. 'The phrase has since become iconic, representing the struggle for freedom and democracy against authoritarian regimes worldwide.'
5. 'Reagan's call to tear down the wall not only appealed to Germans but also resonated with people across Eastern Europe who yearned for liberation from Soviet control.'

Review Questions

• How did Reagan's speech at the Brandenburg Gate reflect the broader tensions of the Cold War?
  • 'Reagan's speech was delivered at a time when tensions between the East and West were palpable, especially as the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of oppression. By urging Gorbachev to 'tear down this wall,' Reagan highlighted not only the physical division of Germany but also the ideological battle between communism and democracy. His call for freedom resonated deeply with those suffering under communist regimes, positioning the U.S. as a champion of liberty during this critical period.'
• Analyze the significance of Reagan's message in the context of international relations during the late 1980s.
  • 'Reagan's 'tear down this wall' message served as a powerful symbol of U.S. foreign policy aimed at promoting democracy and human rights in opposition to Soviet authoritarianism. His rhetoric galvanized support for movements advocating for reform within Eastern Europe while simultaneously pressuring Gorbachev to adopt more liberal policies. This shift played a crucial role in changing international relations by fostering dialogue between superpowers and facilitating the eventual end of Cold War hostilities.'
• Evaluate how Reagan's call to tear down the wall influenced subsequent global movements for democracy and freedom.
  • 'Reagan's powerful call to 'tear down this wall' not only contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall but also inspired numerous global movements for democracy and freedom throughout the late 20th century. The phrase became emblematic of resistance against oppressive regimes, encouraging activists worldwide to pursue change through peaceful means. As nations transitioned away from authoritarianism post-Cold War, Reagan's message served as a reminder of the enduring struggle for human rights, influencing leaders and movements in regions such as Eastern Europe, Latin America, and beyond.'

Related terms

Berlin Wall:

'The Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 until 1989, serving as a physical representation of the Iron Curtain separating Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War.'

Cold War:

'The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, that lasted from roughly 1947 until 1991, marked by ideological conflict, military buildup, and proxy wars.'

Gorbachev:

'Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, known for his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which aimed at reforming the Soviet system and ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War.'