Ronald Reagan, originally an American actor and politician, became the 40th President of the United States serving from 1981 to 1989. He was a Republican and his presidency was marked by his conservative policies, which included tax cuts, increased military spending, and deregulation. He was also known for his strong stance on national security and his efforts to end the Cold War.
On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr. shot Reagan as he was exiting a Washington hotel. Hinckley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity, had decades of mental health supervision. In 2016, he was granted freedom from court oversight, and in 2021, he thanked the people who helped him win his freedom.
In his first year in office, Reagan outlined a plan for U.S. economic recovery before a joint session of Congress. The plan included tax cuts and reduced government spending. Reagan believed that by reducing taxes, the economy would grow and create jobs.
Reagan's presidency was also marked by his strong stance on national security. He increased military spending and took a hardline approach to the Soviet Union. He famously called the Soviet Union the "evil empire" and worked to end the Cold War. In 1987, Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons.
Reagan's presidency was not without controversy, however. In 1981, he fired 11,345 striking air traffic controllers and barred them from ever working again. This move was seen as a blow to organized labor and sparked a debate about workers' rights.
Inflation was also a major issue during Reagan's presidency. In June of 1981, inflation in the United States rose to a record 9.1%, the highest it had been in 40 years. Reagan's economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, were criticized for contributing to the inflation problem.
Despite these challenges, Reagan remained popular throughout his presidency. He was known for his charisma and his ability to connect with the American people. He was re-elected in 1984, winning 49 out of 50 states in the electoral college.
Ronald Reagan's presidency had a lasting impact on American politics. His conservative policies influenced the Republican Party for decades to come. He is also remembered for his strong stance on national security and his efforts to end the Cold War.
