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Birth
Born on Feburary 11, 1911 Ronald Reagan lead a full life consisting of many different phases and layers. Known mostly for his time in The Oval Office, Reagan didn't start in politics. Contrary to popular belief he started as a sports announcer, some how got into acting, later took his experience as the president of the Screen Actors Guild to the Governor's office, and his later presidencies (Wilson). -
Love is On the Air
In his very first screen debut Reagan played a sports broadcaster in the film "Love Is on the Air". While this was his first of many movies, none of them were large hits. "He had far greater impact in Hollywood as president of the Screen Actors Guild (1947–52 and 1962) than as an actor" (Siegel). That experience as president of the Screen Actors Guild gave Reagan his first taste of politics; that experience would ultimately lead to his switch to government participation. -
Married Nancy Reagan
On March 4, 1952 Ronald Reagan tied the knot with his second wife Nancy Davis. She was said to be, ""Best friend" and the love of his life was also his most trusted confidante" (Chidester). As every first lady has, Nancy Reagan remained active in politics and used her title to spread her values. Her public was important when approval ratings weren't good. She became Ronald's caregiver later in life when he developed Alzheimers Disease which was essential (Chidester). -
General Electric Theater
Giving up on his movie career, Reagan got spots on televison for shows like "General Electric Theater" (Siegel). This show airred dramatic plays that had various story lines(Lackmann). But, the most important part about his time on "General Electric Theater" Reagan, the host, was required to give speeches about a free-enterprise system (Ronald Reagan Hosts the Television Program General Electric Theater).
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General Electric Theater Cont.
The reason those speeches prove so important to Reagan's legacy is it shows the emergence of his conservative ideals on the public scale, which is widely known for. -
Campaign Speech for Barry Goldwater
After becoming an official member of the Republican Party Reagan soon delivered a famous campaign speech for Barry Goldwater, a prospective presidential candidate. This speech launched Reagan onto the national platform and set base for his Governor campaign in California (Wilson). This speech was essential for his blossoming political career because it gave him popularity and love among his party. -
First Inaugural Address
In his first inaugural address Reagan remains hopeful and positive even when he enters office that was in poor condition. In fact, the country was seeing some of the highest inflation rates in it's history, unemployment was poor, and relations with Russia honestly weren't great (Wilson). This speech marks one of the more storied presidencies. It gave faith to America that the problems would be fixed. -
The Iran-Contra Affair
In this article, written by R. W. Apple Jr., Apple talks about how the secretive diversion of money attained from selling guns and other armory to Iran to the Contras who were trying to overthrow the government in Nicuragua, which the government was barred from funding (Apple). This really ruined the presidents public opinion and reputation, which was phenomonal, at a crucial time in his presidency. -
Death
After dodging death once by surving a previous assassination attempt, as seen here, the aged president died June 5, 2004 (Wilson). Flags were flown at half staff that day people around the world remembered the successes that Reagan had during his political career and the movies, both of which put him down in history forever.
