Which president said "Tear down that wall"?

The president who famously said "Tear down that wall" was Ronald Reagan.

The Historic "Tear Down This Wall" Speech

United States President Ronald Reagan delivered the iconic line, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!", on June 12, 1987. This momentous speech took place at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, a symbolic location near the infamous Berlin Wall. While often popularly remembered with "that wall," the precise words spoken by Reagan were "tear down this wall."

Context of the Brandenburg Gate Address

Reagan's speech was a powerful call to action directed at Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. At the time, the Berlin Wall had stood for over 25 years, having been erected in 1961 to physically and ideologically divide East and West Berlin. It was a stark symbol of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain. Reagan challenged Gorbachev to demonstrate his commitment to reform and openness, known as glasnost and perestroika, by dismantling this oppressive barrier.

Key aspects of the speech and its context include:

• Date: June 12, 1987
• Location: Brandenburg Gate, West Berlin
• Speaker: U.S. President Ronald Reagan
• Target: Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev
• Symbolism: The Berlin Wall, a physical manifestation of the Cold War division.

Impact and Legacy of Reagan's Challenge

Reagan's declaration resonated globally, becoming one of the most memorable moments of the Cold War. It underscored the U.S. commitment to freedom and democracy, and while the wall did not fall immediately, the speech is widely considered a significant moment that foreshadowed its eventual demolition. The Berlin Wall finally collapsed on November 9, 1989, just over two years after Reagan's speech, symbolizing the end of the Cold War era.

For more detailed information on this historic event, you can refer to the Tear Down This Wall! Wikipedia page.

Here's a quick summary of the key facts: