Ronald Reagan (1911 – 2004) US President 1981-1989

Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. He was born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911. He was the second of two children born to Nelle Wilson Reagan and John Edward Reagan, a salesman.

Reagan was a bright and outgoing child. He was also a talented athlete, and he played football and basketball in high school. After graduating from high school, Reagan attended Eureka College in Illinois. He majored in economics and sociology, and he graduated in 1932.

After college, Reagan worked as a radio sportscaster in Iowa and Illinois. He then moved to Hollywood, where he began a successful career as an actor. Reagan starred in over 50 films, including "Knute Rockne, All American" (1940) and "Bedtime for Bonzo" (1951).

In 1952, Reagan married Nancy Davis, an actress. They had two children together, Patti and Ron Jr.

In the 1950s, Reagan became increasingly involved in politics. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1952 to 1959. He was also a spokesman for General Electric, and he traveled around the country giving speeches about conservative political philosophy.

In 1966, Reagan was elected governor of California. He served two terms as governor, and he was known for his tough stance on crime and his opposition to abortion.

In 1980, Reagan was elected president of the United States. He defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory. Reagan was known for his optimistic and charismatic personality. He also had a strong belief in American exceptionalism.

As president, Reagan implemented a number of conservative policies. He cut taxes, reduced government spending, and increased military spending. He also supported the Strategic Defense Initiative, a controversial program to develop a missile defense system.

Reagan's presidency was marked by a number of significant events, including the end of the Cold War, the bombing of Libya, and the Iran-Contra scandal.

Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings. He died in 2004 at the age of 93.

Ronald Reagan was a complex and controversial figure. He was a gifted communicator and a popular president. However, he was also a staunch conservative who implemented a number of policies that had a lasting impact on the United States.

Here are some of the reasons why Ronald Reagan is still remembered and admired today:

• His leadership: Reagan was a charismatic leader who was able to inspire others to follow his vision.
• His optimism: Reagan had a positive outlook on life, and he believed that America was the greatest country in the world.
• His impact: Reagan's presidency had a lasting impact on the United States, both domestically and internationally.

Ronald Reagan was a complex and fascinating figure, and his life story is still being told and retold today. He was a gifted communicator, a popular president, and a staunch conservative. But there is no doubt that he was one of the most important people in American history.