Ronald Reagan (1911 – 2004) was the 40th president of the United States (1981 – 1989) and a key figure in the American conservative movement. A former Hollywood actor, he transitioned into politics, serving as California’s governor before winning the presidency. His tenure defined the "Reagan Era", characterized by economic policies and Cold War diplomacy.
Born in Illinois, Reagan studied at Eureka College before working as a sports broadcaster. He moved to Hollywood in 1937, starring in films like Knute Rockne, All American (1940). He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and later became a General Electric spokesman, which helped shape his political ideology.
Elected governor of California in 1966, he reduced government spending and cracked down on student protests. His 1980 presidential campaign emphasized tax cuts, deregulation, and military strength. As president, he implemented "Reaganomics", slashed taxes, and increased defense spending. His foreign policy escalated tensions with the Soviet Union before shifting toward diplomacy, culminating in the INF Treaty.
Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings but later struggled with Alzheimer’s disease. His legacy remains influential in American politics, with conservatives often citing him as an ideological icon.