Ronald Reagan Timeline By bgt0424 Nov 4, 1979 Fifty-two American hostages held in Iran released 1980 Spending speech (increase defense, decrease taxes) 1980 Soviet grain embargo lifted Jan 20, 1981 Reagan inaugurated Mar 30, 1981 Reagan shot Mar 30, 1981 Reagan shot Aug 3, 1981 Reagan and air-traffic controllers strike Aug 19, 1981 Sandra Day O’Connor nominated to Supreme Court Oct 3, 1981 Military buildup (B-1 Bomber and MX missiles)