Ronald Reagan, former Hollywood actor and California governor who became an icon of the conservative movement, won the first of two terms as the President of the United States on January 20, 1981. He was 69 years old when he became the oldest person ever elected to the presidency at that time. Reagan's presidency was characterized by his economic policies, foreign policy initiatives, and his conservative values.
As POTUS, Reagan reduced the unemployment rate despite the recession. Once he finally left office, the unemployment rate decreased by 2.1%. Reagan's economic policies were centered on cutting taxes and reducing government spending. These policies became known as "Reaganomics," and they aimed to stimulate economic growth by putting more money in the hands of consumers and businesses.
Reagan's foreign policy initiatives included the Strategic Defense Initiative, also known as "Star Wars," which was a proposed missile defense system. He also launched military operations in Grenada and Libya, and his administration supported anti-communist movements in various countries, including Nicaragua and Afghanistan.
Reagan's conservative values were reflected in his stance on social issues such as abortion and gay rights. He opposed abortion and believed in traditional gender roles. He also supported the death penalty and law and order policies.
Reagan's presidency was not without controversy. The Iran-Contra affair, which involved the sale of arms to Iran and the funneling of money to anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua, tarnished his legacy. However, Reagan's popularity remained high throughout his presidency, and he is remembered as a beloved figure by many Americans.
After he was elected, Ronald Reagan would joke on his post-presidential birthdays that he was celebrating the anniversary of his 39th. Reagan left office at the age of 77, making him the oldest person to have served as President of the United States until President Biden surpassed him on November 20, 2022.
In a prominent Texas politician's memoir, he revealed that he unwittingly took part in a 1980 tour of the Middle East with a clandestine agenda to establish back-channel communications with Iran's government. The purpose of the trip was to encourage the Iranians to delay the release of American hostages until after Reagan's inauguration. The politician claimed that Reagan was not directly involved in the scheme.
On January 20, 1981, Reagan was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States. His inauguration was held outside on a cold and windy day, and he gave a memorable speech in which he famously declared, "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem."
Reagan's presidency had a lasting impact on American politics and culture. His conservative values and economic policies influenced a generation of politicians, and his Hollywood background brought a new level of celebrity to the presidency. Reagan's legacy continues to be debated and celebrated to this day.
