Malta Summit facts for kids
The Malta Summit was a very important meeting between the leaders of two powerful countries: George H. W. Bush, who was the President of the United States, and Mikhail Gorbachev, who was the leader of the Soviet Union. It happened on December 2-3, 1989, just a few weeks after the Berlin Wall came down. This meeting was a big step towards ending the Cold War.
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The Malta Summit: A Historic Meeting
The Malta Summit was a special meeting held on ships in the harbor of Marsaxlokk, Malta. President Bush and leader Gorbachev met to talk about the future of the world. It was their second time meeting, after an earlier gathering in New York in December 1988, which also included then-President Ronald Reagan.
What Was the Cold War?
The Cold War was a long period of tension and rivalry between the United States and its allies, and the Soviet Union and its allies. It lasted for many years, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. Even though it was called a "war," there wasn't direct fighting between the two main powers. Instead, they competed in many ways, like building up their armies, exploring space, and trying to spread their ideas around the world.
Declaring an End to the Cold War
During the Malta Summit, President Bush and leader Gorbachev made a very important announcement. They declared that the Cold War was coming to an end. This was a huge moment for the world, as it meant that the long period of tension and fear between the two superpowers was finally over. While some people still debate if this meeting truly ended the Cold War, it was certainly a major step towards a more peaceful future. The leaders discussed many things, including reducing nuclear weapons and improving relations between their countries.
Images for kids
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Monument in Birżebbuġa commemorating the Malta Summit
See also
In Spanish: Cumbre de Malta para niños
