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Mikhail Gorbachev Resigns (1:09)

On December 25, 1991, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as the 11th and final leader of communist Russia. A news report summarizes the milestones of the leader who began his career as a little-known Communist and ended it a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

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Speeches & Audio (4)

  • Mikhail Gorbachev Resigns
    Mikhail Gorbachev Resigns

    Audio Clip (1:09)

    On December 25, 1991, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as the 11th and final leader of communist Russia. A news report summarizes the milestones of the leader who began his career as a little-known Communist and ended it a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

    Audio Clip (1:09)
  • Fall of the Berlin Wall
    Fall of the Berlin Wall

    Audio Clip (1:07)

    On the evening of November 9, 1989, East Germany announced an easing of travel restrictions to the west, and thousands demanded passage through the Berlin Wall. Faced with a growing demonstration, East German border guards allowed citizens to cross. CBS News is on the scene as scores of East Germans climb on top of the once-imprisoning wall.

    Audio Clip (1:07)
  • Reagan on Historic Visit to Berlin Wall
    Reagan on Historic Visit to Berlin Wall

    Audio Clip (1:57)

    In June of 1987, President Ronald Reagan stopped in West Berlin on the 750th anniversary of the city and delivered one of his most famous lines when he demanded that Mikhail Gorbachev tear down the Berlin Wall. In an address to the nation following his return from that trip, President Reagan recalls standing next to the imposing structure.

    Audio Clip (1:57)
  • Mikhail Gorbachev Arrives in U.S.
    Mikhail Gorbachev Arrives in U.S.

    Audio Clip (3:57)

    In December 1988, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev traveled to New York City to deliver his now-famous United Nations speech announcing unilateral arms cuts. Upon his arrival, Gorbachev speaks to the press about his upcoming plans to address the U.N. and to meet with outgoing President Ronald Reagan and President-elect George Bush.

    Audio Clip (3:57)

Videos (4)

  • Deconstructing History: Berlin Wall
    Deconstructing History: Berlin Wall

    Video Clip (2:27)

    For 30 years, the Berlin Wall was the defining symbol of the Cold War, separating families and keeping the people from jobs and opportunity in the west.

    Video Clip (2:27)
  • Cold War
    Cold War

    Video Clip (2:31)

    The Cold War is over, but what it left behind may surprise you.

    Video Clip (2:31)
  • The Great Communicator
    The Great Communicator

    Video Clip (4:18)

    Ronald Reagan galvanized the American public through his famous speeches that helped redefine American politics in the 1980s.

    Video Clip (4:18)
  • Reagan Meets Gorbachev
    Reagan Meets Gorbachev

    Video Clip (4:46)

    See President Ronald Reagan meet Mikail Gorbachev, set to "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour.

    Video Clip (4:46)

Photo Galleries (3)

  • Communist Leaders
    Communist Leaders

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    During the 20th century, the worldwide spread of communism took many different forms under the direction of each country's leadership.

    (12 Photos)
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    Russian Rulers

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    From the Romanovs to Revolution and beyond, discover the rulers and politicians behind Russia's tumultuous history.

    (18 Photos)
  • Cold War: American Leaders
    Cold War: American Leaders

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    From 1945 until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, U.S. presidents and politicians developed strategies to limit the spread of communism.

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When Mikhail S. Gorbachev became leader of the Soviet Union in 1985, he ushered in an era of change that ended the Cold War and reshaped Eastern Europe.

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