On Sunday, America celebrates the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan, whose presidency is a touchstone for the modern conservative movement. Reagan's time in office from 1981 to 1989 was marked by his strong stance on national defense and his commitment to increasing military spending. During his presidency, Reagan launched the largest peacetime buildup of the United States military, significantly increasing defense budgets and modernizing the armed forces.
During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump acolytes claimed that he was the second coming of Ronald Reagan — the similarity being that both men were seen as outsiders to the political establishment. Trump often praised Reagan's policies, particularly his focus on a strong military and his tough stance against communist threats like the Soviet Union.
The Reagan Administration will be asking Congress for authority to spend $1,640 billion in the next five years on the armed services, a move that was met with both support and criticism. Reagan's military buildup was seen as a necessary response to the perceived threats posed by the Soviet Union and other adversaries during the Cold War. The increase in defense spending was aimed at modernizing and strengthening the military to ensure national security and protect American interests around the world.
Reagan's military buildup included investments in new weapons systems, technology, and personnel, which transformed the U.S. military into a more formidable force. The Strategic Defense Initiative, also known as "Star Wars," was one of Reagan's most ambitious and controversial defense programs, aimed at developing missile defense capabilities to protect against nuclear attacks.
The Reagan Administration faced pushback from critics who argued that the massive defense spending was unsustainable and could lead to budget deficits. However, Reagan defended his military buildup as essential for maintaining a strong national defense and deterring potential adversaries. His policies were instrumental in bringing an end to the Cold War and ushering in a new era of global security.
In the 50 years since his assassination, the image of John F. Kennedy has shifted from tragic hero to flawed leader. Similarly, Reagan's legacy has been subject to revision and debate, with supporters praising his leadership and achievements, while detractors point to the negative consequences of his policies, such as the Iran-Contra affair and the widening wealth gap in America.
The Reagan era continues to shape American politics and national security policies, with many politicians and leaders looking to his presidency as a model for strong leadership and effective governance. Reagan's military buildup during peacetime set a precedent for future administrations and influenced the strategic priorities of the United States in the post-Cold War era.
