When it comes to radical social changes, action has proven to be more important than political rhetoric. However, some of the most historic world-changing-events have been triggered by the powerful words of world leaders who were not afraid of taking action if necessary.

While there are more than five leaders whose words have led to historically significant events, we have selected these five quotes that clearly represent the changes they made.

“If slavery is not wrong, then nothing is wrong.”
– Abraham Lincoln

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” – Nelson Mandela

“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” – Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan delivered these words during a historic 1987 speech in Germany, calling on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to bring down the Berlin Wall that divided West Germany and East Germany. The effect of his words triggered a chain of events that brought the Berlin wall down, uniting Germany as one Democratic nation.

Which of these word-changing quotes is your favorite? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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