Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States, serving two terms from January 1981 to January 1989. A former actor and governor of California, he promoted conservative economic policies and a firm stance against the Soviet Union.
Reagan pursued supply-side economic policies—large tax cuts, deregulation, and shifts in spending—that helped lower inflation and stimulate growth but also coincided with rising federal deficits and greater income inequality.
On foreign policy he combined a military buildup and tough rhetoric toward the USSR with later diplomacy with Mikhail Gorbachev that advanced arms-control agreements; his presidency was also marred by the Iran–Contra affair.
Enacted major tax cuts with the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981; Pursued deregulation and conservative judicial appointments; Increased defense spending and advanced the Strategic Defense Initiative; Negotiated with Mikhail Gorbachev, contributing to U.S.–Soviet arms reductions; Re-elected in a 1984 landslide victory; Administration tarnished by the Iran–Contra affair
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
Showing 12 of 189 entries.
The U.S. Senate voted to give its advice and consent to ratify the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with the Soviet Union.
On April 18, 1988, U.S. Navy and Marine forces launched Operation Praying Mantis, attacking Iranian oil platforms and surface vessels in the Persian Gulf and sinking or disabling multiple Iranian ships and installations.
While escorting reflagged Kuwaiti tankers, the U.S. frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine on April 14, 1988, suffering severe damage but remaining afloat after emergency repairs by her crew.
President Reagan nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Anthony M. Kennedy to serve on the Supreme Court.
On March 22, 1988 Congress overrode President Reagan's veto of the Civil Rights Restoration Act, enacting the law despite presidential opposition.
President Reagan vetoed the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, arguing the bill would improperly expand federal authority over private institutions and educational programs receiving federal funds.
Douglas H. Ginsburg withdrew his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court after media reports disclosed past marijuana use and sparked bipartisan criticism.
The U.S. Senate voted 97–0 to confirm President Ronald Reagan’s nominee, Anthony M. Kennedy, as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
President Ronald Reagan delivered his final State of the Union address, outlining his administration’s priorities on national defense, the economy, taxes, and arms control.
The multi-day Washington summit between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev concluded following meetings and follow-up discussions after the signing of the INF Treaty.
President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev signed the INF Treaty at the White House, agreeing to eliminate all ground‑launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
Following the Dec. 8 signing with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, President Reagan formally transmitted the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty to the Senate for advice and consent.