President Ronald Reagan delivered one of the most iconic speeches of the Cold War at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin. With the Berlin Wall looming behind him, Reagan boldly challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev with the now-famous words: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” The speech was a powerful call for freedom and a clear signal that the United States stood firmly against the division of Europe.

Though some in Reagan’s administration thought the line was too provocative, it resonated with millions living under Soviet influence and became a defining moment of his presidency. Just over two years later, the Berlin Wall fell, and many credited Reagan’s firm stance as a catalyst for the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. The speech underscored America’s commitment to liberty and helped bring the Cold War closer to its end.