Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American politician who served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Prior to his presidency, he was a Hollywood actor and union leader before serving as the 33rd Governor of California from 1967 to 1975.

Early life

Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, and raised in Dixon, Illinois. He graduated from Eureka College in 1932 and began a career in radio, which led to a career in film and television.

Career

Reagan's acting career began in 1937 when he signed a seven-year contract with Warner Bros.. His first screen credit was the starring role in the 1937 movie Love Is on the Air, and by the end of 1939, he had already appeared in 19 films.

Political career

Reagan started as an actor, became president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a secret informant. Reagan turned to politics and was elected Governor of California in 1966. As governor, Reagan raised taxes, turned a state budget deficit to a surplus, challenged the protesters at the University of California, ordered in National Guard troops during a period of protest movements in 1969, and was re-elected in 1970.

Presidency

Reagan was elected President in 1980, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter. During his presidency, Reagan pursued policies that reflected his personal belief in individual freedom, brought changes domestically, both to the U.S. economy and expanded military, and contributed to the end of the Cold War.

Death and legacy

Reagan died of pneumonia, complicated by Alzheimer's disease, at his home in Los Angeles on June 5, 2004. He ranks highly among former U.S. presidents in terms of approval rating and is credited for generating an ideological renaissance on the American political right.

Ronald Reagan Resources
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