Symbolic Events of the End of the Cold War

The late 1980s was a pivotal time in world history, marked by transformative political movements that contributed to the end of the Cold War. A series of reforms initiated in the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev, including 'glasnost' (openness) and 'perestroika' (restructuring), played a critical role in altering the political landscape. Concurrently, movements in Eastern Europe, such as the Solidarity movement in Poland, challenged communist governments, leading to greater democratization.

As these changes unfolded, several major events showcased the decline of Soviet influence and the rise of democratic regimes across Eastern Europe. In 1989, a wave of revolutions occurred in these countries, leading to significant political transformations and the eventual reunification of Germany.

Given this context, which event is regarded as the most symbolic victory for anti-communist movements in Eastern Europe that directly signaled the end of the Cold War?