Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is a figure whose legacy looms large in American political history. Born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, Reagan’s journey from a modest Midwestern upbringing to the pinnacle of political power is a quintessential American tale of perseverance, ambition, and leadership. Throughout his remarkable life, Reagan wore many hats: actor, union leader, governor, and ultimately, commander-in-chief. His charismatic persona, unwavering conservatism, and visionary policies reshaped the political landscape of the United States and left an indelible mark on the world stage. As we delve into the life and times of Ronald Reagan, we uncover not only the story of a man but also the evolution of a nation during one of its most transformative eras. Here we explore Ronald Reagan year by year.
1911:
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6th in Tampico, Illinois, as a second child of John Edward “Jack” Reagan (a struggling shoe salesman), a Roman Catholic of Irish descent and Nelle Wilson Reagan, a Protestant of English and Scottish descent. He had an older brother named Neil.
1920:
The Reagan family moves to Dixon, Illinois, where young Ronald attends Dixon High School.
Reagan enjoyed acting and sports and became a lifeguard. As a lifeguard he saved 77 lives.
1932:
Reagan graduated from Eureka College with a degree in economics and sociology.
He became a sports announcer at news radio station WHO. Reagan was also a broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs.
1937:
Reagan’s film career officially began when he signed a seven-year contract with Warner Bros. Studios.
He made his film debut in “Love Is on the Air,” playing the role of Andy McCaine, a radio announcer.
He appeared in several films, often in supporting roles, including “Hollywood Hotel”.
1938:
Reagan appeared in “Girls on Probation”.
1939:
Reagan appeared in the film “Dark Victory” alongside Bette Davis, playing the role of Alec.
He also starred in “Code of the Secret Service,” playing the lead role of Lieutenant “Brass” Bancroft, a character he would reprise in three subsequent films.
1940:
Reagan continued to build his acting career, appearing in a variety of films across different genres.
Notable films from this decade include “Knute Rockne, All American” (1940), where he portrayed the legendary football player George Gipp, earning him critical acclaim for his performance.In this film he delivers the famous line, “Win one for the Gipper.”
He also appeared “Santa Fe Trail”.
Reagan married Jane Wyman, the co-star of his film” Brother Rat”. The couple had a daughter, Maureen (born in 1941) and adopted a son, Michael, a few days after his birth (in 1945).
1941:
Reagan was first elected to the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild.
1942:
Reagan appeared in “Kings Row”.
He serves in the Army Air Forces during World War II, making training films and reaching the rank of captain.
1943:
Reagan appeared in “This Is the Army”, which was a wartime musical directed by Michael Curtiz.
1946:
Reagan became the 3rd vice-president of the Screen Actors Guild.
1948:
Reagan and Jane Wyman divorced. Reagan was the first president to have been divorced.
1949:
Reagan met Nancy Davis, a relatively unknown actress, at a dinner party.
1952:
Reagan Married Nancy Davis on March 4th. They go on to have two children, Patti and Ron.
Reagan appeared in “The Winning Team”, in which he portrayed baseball player Grover Cleveland Alexander.
1954:
Reagan transitions to television, hosting the popular program “General Electric Theatre” and becoming a spokesman for conservative causes.
1957:
Reagan appeared in “Hellcats of the Navy,” a World War II drama in which he starred alongside his wife Nancy Reagan.
1964:
Reagan’s final film was “The Killers,” a crime thriller based on the short story by Ernest Hemingway, where he played the character Jack Browning.
1967:
Reagan delivered a widely acclaimed speech titled “A Time for Choosing” in support of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater.
Reagan became 33rd governor of California.
Reagan signed an act that did not allow the public carrying loaded guns.
1968:
During his term as governor, Reagan served as the President of the Republican Governors Association.
1975:
Reagan left office on January 6, when Jerry Brown, Pat Brown’s son, succeeded Reagan as governor.
1976:
Reagan said he would run against President Gerald Ford to become the Republican Party’s candidate for president.
Reagan won a few primaries early such as North Carolina, Texas and California, but soon failed to win key primaries such as New Hampshire, Florida, and his native Illinois.
1979:
Reagan announced his plans to run for president again. His campaign slogan was, “Make America Great Again”.
1980:
Reagan wins the Republican nomination for President and defeats incumbent President Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory.
1981:
Reagan became President of the United States. His presidency is marked by economic reforms, a strong anti-communist stance, and efforts to deregulate industries.
Reagan survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30th.
1983:
Reagan sent forces to Lebanon to stop the threat of the Lebanese Civil War.
1984:
Reagan was once again nominated for president at the 1984 Republican National Convention.
1985:
Reagan became president 2nd time.
Reagan did negotiations with Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, leading to significant arms reduction agreements.
1987:
Reagan delivered the famous speech at the Berlin Wall, urging Gorbachev to “tear down this wall!”
1989:
Reagan Left his office with high approval ratings, handing over the presidency to his Vice President, George H. W. Bush.
1994:
Reagan announced that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
2004:
Ronald Reagan passes away on June 5th at his home in Bel Air, California, at the age of 93. He is laid to rest at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, following a state funeral in Washington, D.C.