June 12 in American History

June 12, 1987 — "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

Standing at the Berlin Wall, President Reagan challenged the Soviet leader directly: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" His own advisers had wanted the line cut as too provocative. Two years later the Wall came down. The speech became a symbol of moral clarity in the face of tyranny — and of the Cold War's coming end.

Common Questions

What happened on June 12 in American history?

In 1987: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!". Standing at the Berlin Wall, President Reagan challenged the Soviet leader directly: "Mr.

Why is June 12 significant?

Standing at the Berlin Wall, President Reagan challenged the Soviet leader directly: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" His own advisers had wanted the line cut as too provocative. Two years later the Wall came down. The speech became a symbol of moral clarity in the face of tyranny — and of the Cold War's coming end.

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