Key Facts
- Term
- 1981--1989
- Party
- Republican
- Vice President
- George H.W. Bush
- First Lady
- Nancy Reagan
- Home State
- California
- Born
- 1911
- Died
- 2004
Biography
Reagan's presidency was transformative: he cut taxes, increased defense spending, and pursued supply-side economics.
Key Events & Accomplishments
- Survived an assassination attempt (March 30, 1981)
- Signed the Economic Recovery Tax Act (1981)
- Challenged the Soviet Union: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
- Iran-Contra scandal
Notable Quotes
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
“Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”
Did You Know?
- Reagan won 49 of 50 states in 1984.