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Reagan sworn in
Reagan is sworn in as the 40th president of the United States. -
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Reagan Presidency
Domestic and Foriegn Policies during Reagans presidency from 1981 to 1989 -
Reagan addresses Congress
Reagan appears before Congress for the first time since the assassination attempt. He receives a hero's welcome and overwhelming support for his economic package, which includes cuts in social programs and taxes, and increases in defense spending. -
Congress passes tax bill
Congress passes Reagan's tax bill. Instead of a 30% tax cut over three years, Reagan accepts 25%. -
Sandra Day O'Connor appointed as justice on Supreme Court
Reagan appoints Sandra Day O'Connor as the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. -
1984 Budget
Reagan submits his fiscal 1984 budget to Congress. The recession, tax cuts and increased defense outlays are blamed for a projected $189 billion budget gap. Reagan vows to "stay the course," rejecting advice to raise taxes or cut defense. -
"Star Wars"
Reagan unveils his proposal for a Strategic Defense Initiative, later dubbed "Star Wars," in a national speech: "I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace, to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete." -
Call to arms talk
Reagan calls for a return to arms talks with the U.S.S.R. -
Reagan begins 2nd term
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Reagan ordered air strikes
Reagan orders air strikes against Libya in retaliation for the bombing of a West Berlin disco in which two U.S. servicemen were killed and more than 200 people were injured. -
"Fireside" summit
Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev hold a "fireside" summit in Geneva. The leaders disagree on the Strategic Defense Initiative but pledge to meet again and seek a 50% cut in nuclear arms. -
Fires Cheif of Staff
Reagan yields to pressure from his advisers (including wife Nancy) to fire Chief of Staff Donald Regan. -
INF Treaty ratified
The Senate ratifies the INF treaty, the first arms-control agreement since 1972's Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) to receive Senate approval. -
Bush Sworn in
George Bush is inaugurated. Reagan leaves the White House with the highest approval rating of any president since FDR. Reagan retires to California, travels, meets with various world leaders, and gives public speeches in support of charitable organizations, Republican candidates and causes.