The presidency
Reagan supported major tax cuts and increased defense spending. A severe early recession was followed by sustained growth, while federal deficits and inequality remained debated issues. He later negotiated with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, producing an important nuclear arms treaty. The Iran-Contra affair raised serious questions about covert policy and executive accountability.
Before the White House
Tampico, Illinois
Born February 6, 1911.
Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, and grew up in several Illinois communities. After Eureka College, he worked in radio and film and became president of the Screen Actors Guild. His political views shifted over time, and he served two terms as governor of California before reaching the White House.
Key moments
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Born in Tampico, Illinois
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Signed major income-tax reductions.
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Signed an immigration reform law.
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Signed the INF arms-control treaty.
Notable laws & actions
These entries distinguish laws, treaties, executive decisions, and proposals. Congress passes statutes; presidents sign or veto them. A president does not act alone.
Economic Recovery Tax Act
Reduced individual income-tax rates and made substantial changes to business taxation.
Tax Reform Act
Simplified portions of the tax code, lowered rates, and eliminated or reduced many deductions and preferences.
Immigration Reform and Control Act
Created a legalization process for many eligible immigrants and penalties for knowingly employing unauthorized workers.
Legacy
Reagan reshaped the Republican Party and the terms of economic debate. His combination of military pressure and later negotiation helped define the final decade of the Cold War, though its end involved many countries and leaders.
Miller Center · Biography & facts ↗
Controversies
The Iran-Contra affair involved illegal administration activities.
In their words
“Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength.”Inaugural Address · Quoted by the Miller Center ↗
This excerpt is attributed to Ronald Reagan in the Miller Center’s biography. Its source is identified there as “Inaugural Address.” Read the source alongside the record of the presidency.
Short excerpt; wording and capitalization follow the cited source.
Look closer
View image source record ↗
Reading a portrait
Look at the clothing, pose, expression, and background. What impression of leadership does this image create?
A portrait represents one moment and one choice of presentation. Compare its message with the decisions described in this biography.
Test your knowledge
Try answering before opening each explanation.
Where was Ronald Reagan born?
Tampico, Illinois.
When did this president serve?
1981–1989.
What is one law or action associated with this presidency?
Economic Recovery Tax Act. Reduced individual income-tax rates and made substantial changes to business taxation.
What is one lasting part of this president’s legacy?
Reagan reshaped the Republican Party and the terms of economic debate. His combination of military pressure and later negotiation helped define the final decade of the Cold War, though its end involved many countries and leaders.
Sources & further reading
The linked biographies support the life history and policy summaries above. Quotations and image credits have their own source links.
- Miller Center · Biography & facts
- Miller Center · Early life
- Miller Center · Domestic affairs
- Miller Center · Foreign affairs
- Miller Center · Life in brief
- Portrait source record
Prepared September 23, 2026.