President Ronald Reagan, “Speech at the Brandenburg Gate,” (June 12, 1987)
As I looked out a moment ago from the Reichstag, that embodiment of German unity, I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner, “This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality.” Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom.
Earlier in the same speech, Reagan said:
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, tear down this wall!
Source and full Text of Reagan’s speech: TeachingAmerican History.org
The New York Times offers an extensive archive on the Berlin Wall. The fall of the Wall, beginning on November 9, 1989, a little more than two years after Reagan’s speech, is considered the beginning of the end of communism in Europe.
Read more about the Cold War and Reagan’s life and presidency in Don’t Know Much About History and Don’t Know Much About the American Presidents.
Don’t Know Much About® the American Presidents (Hyperion paperback-April 15, 2014)
Don’t Know Much About® History: Anniversary Edition (Harper Perennial and Random House Audio)
