Ronald Reagan (#40): The Great Communicator

Young Reagan in his Hollywood acting days

1911-1964 Illinois & Hollywood

From Hollywood to Politics

Born in 1911 in small-town Illinois, Reagan became a sports broadcaster, then a Hollywood actor starring in over 50 films. As president of the Screen Actors Guild, he fought communist influence in Hollywood. His transformation from New Deal Democrat to conservative Republican would reshape American politics.

1967-1975 Sacramento, California

Governor of California

In 1966, Reagan won the California governorship by a million votes. He took on campus protesters at Berkeley, cut state spending, and proved that an actor could govern. Two terms as governor of the nation's largest state made him the conservative movement's champion and a serious presidential contender.

Reagan's landslide victory celebration in 1980

November 1980 United States

Morning in America

In 1980, with inflation at 13%, hostages in Iran, and national malaise setting in, Reagan asked voters: "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" He won a landslide and declared "Morning in America." At 69, he was the oldest person elected president—radiating energy and optimism.

1981-1989 Washington, D.C.

Reaganomics

Reagan slashed income taxes by 25%, deregulated industries, and championed free markets. Critics called it "trickle-down economics." Supporters pointed to the longest peacetime economic expansion in history: 18 million new jobs created. Love it or hate it, Reaganomics redefined the economic debate for decades.

Reagan waving from hospital after assassination attempt

March 30, 1981 Washington, D.C.

Surviving an Assassin's Bullet

Just 69 days into his presidency, Reagan was shot outside a Washington hotel. The bullet stopped an inch from his heart. Walking into the operating room, he joked to surgeons: "I hope you're all Republicans." His grace under fire won the hearts of even his political opponents and cemented his popularity.

Reagan meeting with Gorbachev at a summit

1981-1986 Global

Confronting the Evil Empire

Reagan called the Soviet Union an "evil empire" and launched the largest peacetime military buildup in history. He proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative—a space-based missile shield critics called "Star Wars." His strategy: pressure the Soviets economically and militarily until their system cracked.

Reagan speaking at the Brandenburg Gate with Berlin Wall behind

June 12, 1987 West Berlin, Germany

"Tear Down This Wall!"

On June 12, 1987, Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin and issued the most famous challenge of the Cold War: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" His advisors tried to remove the line. Reagan insisted. Two years later, the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War began its end.

1987-1989 Washington & Moscow

The Cold War Ends

Reagan and Gorbachev signed the INF Treaty in 1987, eliminating an entire class of nuclear weapons. By the time Reagan left office in 1989, the Soviet Union was unraveling. The Berlin Wall fell that November. The Cold War that had defined a generation was ending—and Reagan's pressure had played a pivotal role.

The Great Communicator

Reagan restored American optimism after a decade of doubt. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, he proved that conviction, humor, and clear communication can change the world. He left office with the highest approval rating of any departing president since FDR.