Originally posted by fastball
On account of what the people of the USSR saw in the USA and Britain. You don't think Regan's famous "Mr. Gorbechev, tear down that wall!" speech had a profound influence? That was one of the most powerfull speeches ever given by a President, and I'm sure inspired more than a few people to topple the communists. I'm not saying that's the only reason, but the promisses of democracy were too heavy to keep the communists in power.
ok, I'll give you credit there. That certainly was a contributing factor.