494 CHApTEr 22 | a ConSerVatiVe tenor | period nine 1980 to the present TopIC^ I^ |^ an end to the twentieth Century^495495
prACTICIng Historical Thinking
Identify: What are the literal and symbolic meanings of the word “morning” in the
advertisement?
Analyze: What is the tone of this advertisement? Who is its intended audience?
Evaluate: Explain the relationship between reduced interest rates and American
confidence. What does this reveal about the American national identity?Document 22.4 ronald reagan, Speech at the Berlin Wall
1987Starting in 1985, the Soviet Union began rapidly opening its economy and civic life. In
this June 12, 1987, speech at the Berlin Wall, Ronald Reagan sought to hasten this pro-
cess by demanding that the Soviets remove their troops from East Berlin and East Ger-
many and return sovereignty to the German people.... We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness.
Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts
are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted
to operate with greater freedom from state control. Are these the beginnings of
profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to
raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without chang-
ing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and secu-
rity 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 Gorba-
chev, 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!
Ronald Reagan, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Book 1, January 1 to
July 3, 1987 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1987), 633.prACTICIng Historical Thinking
Identify: What reasons does Reagan provide to “tear down” the Berlin Wall?
Analyze: Who is Reagan’s intended audience? In what ways does this audience
represent America’s new role in foreign policy?
Evaluate: Is Reagan’s statement more of an invitation or a threat? Explain your
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