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— CH. 1 · DECEMBER 7, 1988 —

Governors Island Summit

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  • The Governors Island Summit met on the 7th of December, 1988, and it would not go the full distance. Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were at its center. Something unfolding far from Governors Island would determine when it ended.

  • George H. W. Bush was also part of the summit, attending in the position of both sitting Vice President and President-elect. An earthquake struck the Soviet republic of Armenia earlier that same day. When word reached Gorbachev, he cut his trip to the United States short immediately. Reagan's tenure was nearly at its close; the weight of what came next would fall to Bush.

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20th-century diplomatic conferencesPresidency of Ronald ReaganSoviet Union–United States diplomatic conferencesCold WarMikhail Gorbachev

Common questions

What was the Governors Island Summit?

The Governors Island Summit was a meeting between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, held on the 7th of December, 1988. U.S. Vice President and President-elect George H. W. Bush also attended.

When did the Governors Island Summit take place?

The Governors Island Summit took place on the 7th of December, 1988.

Who attended the Governors Island Summit?

The summit was attended by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, and U.S. Vice President George H. W. Bush. Bush attended in the dual capacity of sitting Vice President and President-elect.

Why did Gorbachev leave the Governors Island Summit early?

Gorbachev cut his trip to the United States short after learning that an earthquake had struck the Soviet republic of Armenia earlier that day. He departed immediately upon receiving the news.

What earthquake interrupted the Governors Island Summit?

An earthquake struck the Soviet republic of Armenia on the 7th of December, 1988, the same day as the summit. Gorbachev ended his U.S. visit as soon as he was informed of it.

What was George H. W. Bush's role at the Governors Island Summit?

George H. W. Bush attended the Governors Island Summit as both the sitting Vice President and the President-elect. He was present alongside President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.

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2 references cited across the entry

  1. 1Reagan, Gorbachev and Bush at Governor's IslandThe National Security Archive
  2. 2NewsThe Gorbachev Visit; Soviet Star Is a Smash In Broadway ShowingMaureen Dowd — 8 December 1988