Tear down this wall! facts for kids
The famous words "Tear down this wall!" were spoken by Ronald Reagan, who was the President of the United States. He challenged Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union, to destroy the Berlin Wall. This powerful speech happened on June 12, 1987, at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It was part of a celebration for Berlin's 750th birthday.
Many important people were there to listen. These included the West German president, Richard von Weizsäcker, Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and First Lady Nancy Reagan.
Reagan challenged Gorbachev, who was the top leader of the Soviet Union's Communist Party. He asked Gorbachev to tear down the wall. This was meant to show that Gorbachev truly wanted more freedom between East and West Germany.
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What Was the Berlin Wall?
The Berlin Wall was a real wall that divided the city of Berlin in Germany. It was built in 1961 by the communist government of East Germany. The wall separated East Berlin from West Berlin.
East Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union. West Germany was connected to countries like the United States. The wall was built to stop people from East Germany from escaping to West Germany. It was a strong symbol of the "Cold War". The Cold War was a long period of tension between the Soviet Union and its allies, and the United States and its allies.
The Challenge for Freedom
President Reagan stood in front of the Berlin Wall. He spoke directly to General Secretary Gorbachev. Reagan said that the world welcomed change and openness. He believed that freedom and safety go together. He also thought that more human liberty would help world peace.
Reagan then said there was one clear sign the Soviets could make. This sign would greatly help freedom and peace. He called out to Gorbachev:
We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev...Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
This part of the speech was very strong. It showed Reagan's belief in freedom and his hope for a united Germany.
Why Was This Speech Important?
Many people believe this speech was one of the greatest ever given by President Reagan. It is also seen as one of the most important speeches by any American president. The speech showed the world that the United States stood for freedom. It also put pressure on the Soviet Union to make changes.
Less than two and a half years after Reagan's speech, the Berlin Wall actually fell on November 9, 1989. This event was a huge step towards the end of the Cold War. It also led to Germany becoming one country again. Reagan's words are remembered as a powerful call for freedom and peace.
Images for kids
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A piece of the Berlin Wall located at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California
See also
In Spanish: Tear down this wall para niños
