Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989. He was a former actor and Governor of California before becoming President. Reagan is often remembered for his conservative policies and his role in ending the Cold War.
Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. He attended Eureka College, where he studied economics and sociology. After college, Reagan worked as a sports announcer and later became an actor in Hollywood, starring in films such as "Knute Rockne, All American" and "King's Row."
Reagan's political career began when he became the Governor of California in 1967, serving two terms before running for President. In 1980, he was elected as the 40th President of the United States, defeating the incumbent Jimmy Carter.
During his presidency, Reagan implemented conservative economic policies, which came to be known as "Reaganomics." These policies included tax cuts, deregulation, and increased military spending. He also pursued a tough stance against the Soviet Union, referring to it as the "evil empire" and increasing military pressure through the Strategic Defense Initiative.
Reagan's economic policies are often credited with stimulating economic growth, but they also led to an increase in the national debt. His foreign policy initiatives, including negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, played a significant role in ending the Cold War.
After leaving office, Reagan remained active in public life and advocacy until his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. He passed away on June 5, 2004. Reagan's presidency continues to be a subject of debate, with supporters and critics debating the impact of his policies on the United States and the world.