Ronald Reagan
Life & Times
1911 - 1934
Childhood Years
Overview
Only in America can a little boy born to ordinary parents in America’s mid-west grow up to become a great leader, not only for our nation, but for our world. Ronald Reagan did extraordinary things with his ordinary upbringing. His story is one of “A Truly American Life”.
Ronald Wilson Reagan is born in Tampico, Illinois
When Ronald Reagan was born, his father John said, “He looks like a fat little Dutchman. But who knows, he might grow up to be president some day.”
The Reagan Family
His father believed that individuals determine their own destiny. His mother had a deep sense of optimism.
Five moves in 7 years
The young leader-to-be was shy and introverted in his youth.
Growing up in Dixon
Making his theatrical debut on a small stage in Dixon, Ronald Reagan found the response from the audience life-changing.
Dixon High School
Captain of the football team, art director of the yearbook, president of the drama club – Ronald Reagan becomes a leader.
Lifeguarding at Lowell Park
Over the course of 7 summers, Ronald Reagan saved 77 lives, a number he kept track of by cutting a notch in a log on the river’s edge.
Ronald Reagan graduates from Eureka College
Ronald Reagan pursues his dream of entertainment and searches for a job in broadcasting.
Ronald Reagan lands a job in broadcasting
Never giving up, Ronald Reagan becomes a sports announcer on WOC radio in Davenport, Illinois.
Full time work for Ronald Reagan – in radio broadcasting
Ronald Reagan begins to make a name for himself across the mid-west.
Ronald Reagan says good-bye to the mid-west
Following the Chicago Cubs to spring training in California, Ronald Reagan is on the way to finding his new home.
1935 - 1960
Hollywood & Beyond
Overview
As Ronald Reagan said good-bye to his beloved mid-west, he took much of it with him when he moved to California. He took the faith and optimism of his mother, the humor and tolerance of his father and the core values of community and hard work he had learned as a boy. He took his education, his ambition and his dreams west, not knowing how deeply he would embrace life there, nor how he would impact California and be embraced by it.
Ronald Reagan goes west
After a screen test in Hollywood, Ronald Reagan is offered a seven-year contract with Warner Brothers.
Ronald Reagan arrives in Hollywood
A studio “make-over” turns “Dutch” Reagan into Ronald Reagan.
Ronald Reagan in the movies
With a seven-year contract extension by Warner Brothers, Ronald Reagan believed all of his dreams had been fulfilled.
Ronald Reagan and family
Before passing away at 58 years old, Ronald Reagan’s father said to his wife, “I was there when our son became a star.”
Ronald Reagan is called to Active Duty
While making air force training films as part of Army Air Force Intelligence, Ronald Reagan saw first-hand the atrocities of war.
Reagan returns to Hollywood
Post-war, although making another 22 films, Ronald Reagan became focused on politics and the world off-screen, becoming a political activist and spokesman for causes he believed in.
Ronald Reagan becomes a Republican
Ronald Reagan began to take a stand against Communism, giving speeches on organization’s behalf defending American values against the new Fascism that seemed to be emerging at home and abroad.
Ronald Reagan is elected President of the Screen Actors Guild
During his five years as President of SAG, Ronald Reagan proved himself to be a capable leader, a skillful negotiator and an adept problem solver.
Ronald Reagan meets Nancy Davis
Ronald Reagan always said that his life didn’t begin until he met his Nancy.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s early years together
Raising a family, breeding thoroughbreds, and giving speeches filled their early years together.
Ronald Reagan’s rise in recognition
Ronald Reagan becomes the host of G.E. Theater, traveling to 139 plants and continues to shape his political agenda.
Changing times for Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan registers as a Republican, formalizing his commitment to the party.
1965 - 1980
Political Life
Overview
“I’m an actor, not a politician”, Reagan claimed, “I’m in show business.”
Although that statement had been true of Ronald Reagan, his life was now taking a dramatic turn from that of spectator and commentator on the political scene, to that of leading man. Ronald Reagan never sought political life, but rather, it sought him. The more he spoke out against the flaws of big government, the more the people around him wanted him to fix those problems. Reagan was full of ideas and solutions and was now being given the chance to implement them – putting to the test the very ideals he had formulated and articulated for years.
“Friends of Ronald Reagan” group is formed
Supporters of Ronald Reagan convince him to run for California Governor – the start of his public political career.
Ronald Reagan is elected Governor of California
Ronald Reagan set about answering what was best for California – not about what was best for him in popularity – and a true leader was born.
Gaining footing as Governor
Ronald Reagan learns the value – and success rates – of face-to-face diplomacy.
“Favorite Son” candidacy for President of the United States
California delegates submit Ronald Reagan’s name for President of the United States.
National Guard sent to University of California Berkeley
“Obey the rules or get out.” becomes Governor Reagan’s mantra
Governor Reagan elected to serve a second term
Ronald Reagan wins the election in a 53 to 45 percent margin.
California welfare reform act signed into law
Under Governor Reagan’s leadership, this new law is called “probably the most comprehensive” such initiative in American history.
Looking beyond the Governorship
It was love at first sight as the Reagans settle in at Rancho del Cielo.
Republican National Convention in Kansas City
Ronald Reagan goes after Democrats and big government.
Ronald Reagan runs for President of the United States
Ronald Reagan selects George Bush as his running-mate and announces intention to beat the Carter-Mondale ticket.
Ronald Reagan is elected the 40th President of the United States
Ronald Reagan, a poor kid from a small, rural Midwest town, becomes the leader of our great nation.
The Reagan-Bush ticket
Ronald Reagan travels the nation discussing the need to regain that unique sense of optimism that makes America different.
1981 - 1981
The Reagan Years
Overview
The Reagan Years ushered in what would become an unprecedented time of economic growth and prosperity, military strengthening, establishment of new diplomatic allies abroad and a resurgence of national pride. In Ronald Reagan, our nation found the embodiment of all that makes America great – his unlikely rise from the heartland of the midwest to the seat of power in Washington, D.C. is a story that could only be told here. An eternal optimist, Ronald Reagan believed in unlimited possibilities for the people of the United States and inspired them to look ahead to a bright future together. Reagan’s strong leadership and effective communication with Americans and with the world brought him and our nation great respect. A new day had dawned in America and once again our country was a beacon of hope for people around the world seeking freedom and opportunity. Not only America, but the world, benefitted from the presidency of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s.
Inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States
In his inaugural address, President Reagan outlines his desire that government should serve the people, not the other way around.
Attempted assassination of President Reagan
“Honey, I forgot to duck.”
Air Traffic Controllers Strike
President Reagan tells the Air Traffic Controllers to return to work within 48 hours or lose their jobs.
Other Important Presidential Relationships
President Reagan’s contagious enthusiasm and optimism for democracy spreads.
Sandra Day O’Connor sworn in as first female Supreme Court Justice
Gender, race, ethnicity or religion are not criteria for discrimination in the selection process.
President Reagan’s first State of the Union address
“I wonder if I’ll ever get used to addressing the joint session of Congress...Somehow there’s a thing about entering that chamber -- goose bumps and a quiver.”
Relationship with Margaret Thatcher and Great Britain put to the test
No alliance was stronger for President Reagan than the one he held with Prime Minister Thatcher.
Bombing of U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut
President Reagan’s response to national tragedy pulls the country together.
Ronald Reagan is elected to serve a second term as President
President Reagan begins his second term with a landslide victory of 49 states and 525 Electoral Votes to 13.
Geneva Summit with Mikhail Gorbachev
“We don’t mistrust each other because we’re armed; we’re armed because we mistrust each other.”
Ronald Reagan addresses the nation on the Iran-Contra controversy
"What began as a strategic opening to Iran deteriorated, in its implementation, into trading arms for hostages.”
President Reagan participates in G-7 summits
President Reagan helps make the G-7 Summits productive forums for frank discussion.
1989 - 2004
Post Presidency
Overview
In most countries, when a leader leaves power, they fade away into the archives of history, and remove themselves from political affairs. In America, former Presidents have an opportunity, and some feel, an obligation, to remain engaged in the current conversations and topics of the day. Though Ronald Reagan had left Washington, D.C., his desire to promote and inspire reform in government didn’t end with his move west.
The post-presidency years of Ronald Reagan were full of new-found enthusiasm to influence and promote change. Reagan traveled frequently during his early post-presidency years, making several international trips as well as criss-crossing the nation, speaking out on issues of importance to America and to the world.
In his later post-presidency years as his health declined, Reagan found comfort and contentment in meeting ordinary citizens who had inspiring stories of freedom or hope. Reagan’s faith in God, and his love of family and country were evident and strong even to the end of his life, when he ultimately succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Ronald Reagan lived a life of service to others and was honored by tributes from around the globe, from those who remembered and appreciated his leadership, optimism, inspiration and commitment to democracy. Ronald Reagan was a proud American for 93 years.
Ronald Reagan returns to California
Happy to be home, Ronald Reagan settles in to his new office in Century City, California.
President Reagan gives testimony on Iran-Contra
Ronald Reagan gives seven hours of videotaped testimony.
International travel
Ronald Reagan’s seeds of democracy, planted during his administration, bloom into flowers of freedom.
Domestic travel
“Live each day with enthusiasm, optimism, hope and honor.”
Dedication of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
“The doors of this library are open now and all are welcome. The judgment of history is left to you, the people. “
Ronald Reagan releases letter to the public announcing he has Alzheimer’s Disease
“In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition.”
Presidential / Republican Party events
“And whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts.”
Awards/recognition
Ronald Reagan is recognized for his leadership and friendship across the nation and the world.
“Ordinary Days” as a former President
Whether spending time at the office or with his beloved wife, Ronald Reagan leads a full life post-presidency.
President Ronald Reagan dies at the age of 93
As the nation mourns, Ronald Wilson Reagan is laid to rest at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
