Ronald Reagan: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox President | name = Ronald Reagan | image = Ronald_Reagan_portrait.jpg | order = 40th | office = President of the United States | vicepresident = George H. W. Bush | term_start = January 20, 1981 | term_end = January 20, 1989 | predecessor = Jimmy Carter | successor = George H. W. Bush | birth_date = {{Birth date|1911|2|6}} | birth_place = Tampico, Illinois, United States | death_date = {{Death date and age|2004|6|5|1911|2|6}} | death_place = B..." |
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{{Infobox President | {{Infobox US President | ||
| name = Ronald Reagan | | name = Ronald Reagan | ||
| image = Ronald_Reagan_portrait.jpg | | image = Ronald_Reagan_portrait.jpg | ||
Revision as of 01:55, 5 August 2025
Early Life and Education
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. He grew up in a modest family and moved frequently across small towns in Illinois. His father, Jack Reagan, was a shoe salesman, and his mother, Nelle, was a homemaker with strong religious beliefs that influenced Reagan deeply.
He attended Eureka College, a small liberal arts school, where he majored in economics and sociology, played football, ran track, and acted in school plays. He graduated in 1932 during the Great Depression.
Hollywood Career
Reagan began his career as a radio sports announcer before moving to Hollywood in 1937, where he became a well-known actor. Over the span of two decades, he appeared in over 50 films, including "Knute Rockne, All American" and "Kings Row."
During World War II, Reagan served in the Army Air Forces but remained stateside due to poor eyesight, working in public relations and producing military training films.
Governor of California
Reagan entered politics in the early 1960s as a spokesperson for conservative causes. In 1966, he was elected Governor of California and served two terms from 1967 to 1975. As governor, he focused on reducing government spending, reforming welfare, and confronting student protests.
Presidency (1981–1989)
Reagan was elected President in 1980, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter. He won re-election in a 1984 landslide, carrying 49 out of 50 states.
His presidency focused on conservative economic and social policies. Known as "Reaganomics," his economic agenda aimed to reduce taxes, cut government spending, and promote deregulation. He also significantly increased defense spending and took a hardline stance against the Soviet Union.
He survived an assassination attempt in March 1981, just months into his presidency. Reagan played a crucial role in ending the Cold War, particularly through his partnership with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Post-Presidency and Death
Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings. In 1994, he announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He spent the remainder of his life largely out of the public eye.
Ronald Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93. His state funeral was attended by world leaders and dignitaries, and he is buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.
Legacy
Ronald Reagan is remembered as a transformative figure in American politics. He is praised for his communication skills, economic policies, and leadership during the Cold War. Supporters view him as a champion of conservative ideals and a restorer of American pride and strength.
He continues to be ranked among the most influential presidents in modern U.S. history.