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.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee began formal confirmation hearings on September 15, 1987, for President Reagan’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Robert H. Bork.
The Kuwaiti tanker MV Bridgeton, recently reflagged and traveling under U.S. escort as part of Operation Earnest Will, struck an Iranian mine while transiting the Persian Gulf.
President Reagan signed the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, creating and funding federal programs for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services for homeless individuals and families.
Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North testified publicly before the congressional Iran–Contra investigative committees, defending his role in covert arms-for-hostages and support-for-Contras activities.
President Reagan nominated Judge Robert H. Bork to the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy left by Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr.'s retirement.
Associate Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr. announced his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, creating a vacancy on the Court effective June 26, 1987.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Edwards v. Aguillard (467 U.S. 578) that a Louisiana law requiring 'equal time' for creationism and evolution in public-school science classes violated the Establishment Clause.
President Ronald Reagan delivered a major Cold War speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, famously challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall."
President Reagan delivered a major Cold War address at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev with the line, 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!'.
During a European visit, President Reagan held talks with West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn focusing on NATO cooperation, arms control, and U.S.-West German relations.
President Reagan's nominee William H. Webster was sworn in as Director of Central Intelligence, succeeding the late William J. Casey.
On May 17, 1987, an Iraqi Mirage F1 fired two Exocet missiles at the U.S. frigate USS Stark while it was operating in the Persian Gulf, killing 37 sailors and wounding dozens.