Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, remains one of the most iconic and transformative leaders in American history.
From his humble beginnings in a small Illinois town to the grandeur of the Oval Office, Reagan’s journey is a quintessential American story of resilience, optimism, and determination.
Known as “The Great Communicator,” he captivated audiences with his charisma, wit, and ability to inspire. Whether acting in Hollywood, delivering stirring speeches, or shaping global history, Reagan left an indelible mark on the 20th century.
This timeline takes you through the remarkable milestones of his life, offering a deeper look at the man who redefined conservatism, rejuvenated the American spirit, and played a pivotal role in ending the Cold War.
| 1911 | Ronald Wilson Reagan is born in Tampico, Illinois, to John Edward Reagan and Nelle Clyde Wilson Reagan. |
| 1919 | The Reagan family moves to Dixon, Illinois, where Reagan grows up. |
| 1928 | Reagan graduates from Dixon High School, where he was active in sports, drama, and student leadership. |
| 1928–1932 | Attends Eureka College in Illinois. He majors in economics and sociology and is active in football, swimming, and campus theater productions. |
| 1933 | Begins working as a radio sports announcer for WHO in Des Moines, Iowa. |
| 1937 | Signs a seven-year contract with Warner Bros., launching his Hollywood acting career. His first credited film role is in Love Is on the Air. |
| 1940 | Marries actress Jane Wyman. They have two children: Maureen (1941) and Michael (adopted in 1945). |
| 1941 | Stars in Knute Rockne, All American as George Gipp, earning him the nickname “The Gipper.” |
| 1942–1945 | Serves in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, working primarily in the First Motion Picture Unit, producing training and propaganda films. |
| 1947–1952, 1959–1960 | Serves as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Plays a key role in addressing labor disputes and dealing with Hollywood’s anti-communist investigations. |
| 1948 | Reagan and Wyman divorce, citing career differences and political disagreements. |
| 1952 | Marries actress Nancy Davis. They have two children, Patti (1952) and Ronald Jr. (1958). |
| 1954–1962 | Hosts General Electric Theater, a TV drama anthology series, and becomes a corporate spokesman for General Electric. His speeches during this time emphasize free-market principles and opposition to big government. |
| 1964 | Delivers his famous “A Time for Choosing” speech in support of Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign, marking his emergence as a prominent conservative voice. |
| 1966 | Elected Governor of California, defeating Democratic incumbent Pat Brown. He emphasizes tax cuts, government efficiency, and a tough stance on protests and crime. |
| 1970 | Reelected Governor of California, serving until 1975. |
| 1976 | Challenges sitting President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination but narrowly loses at the convention. |
| 1980 | Wins the Republican presidential nomination and defeats incumbent President Jimmy Carter in a landslide. |
| January 20, 1981 | Sworn in as the 40th President of the United States. On the same day, 52 American hostages held in Iran are released. |
| March 30, 1981 | Survives an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. |
| 1981–1982 | Implements “Reaganomics,” a supply-side economic policy featuring tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending. |
| 1983 | Orders U.S. invasion of Grenada to counter a Marxist regime, signaling his anti-communist stance. |
| 1984 | Reelected in a landslide, defeating Democratic candidate Walter Mondale. |
| 1985 | Signs the first Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) research plan, a missile defense system nicknamed “Star Wars.” |
| 1986 | Signs the Tax Reform Act, simplifying the tax code. Later that year, the Iran-Contra Affair emerges, revealing secret arms sales to Iran and funding for Nicaraguan Contra rebels. |
| 1987 | Delivers his famous “Tear Down This Wall” speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall. |
| 1988 | Signs a landmark arms reduction treaty, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, with Gorbachev. |
| 1989 | Leaves office with high approval ratings and retires to California. |
| 1991 | The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library opens in Simi Valley, California. |
| 1994 | Announces he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in an open letter to the American people. |
| 2004 | Dies on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93, following a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s. His funeral is attended by dignitaries from around the world. |
Timeline of Ronald Reagan
1911
Ronald Wilson Reagan is born on February 6, 1911, in a small apartment above a general store in Tampico, Illinois.
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His father, John “Jack” Reagan, works as a shoe salesman, while his mother, Nelle Reagan, is a devout Christian who instills in him a strong sense of faith and optimism. Reagan’s early nickname, “Dutch,” comes from his father, who says his newborn son looks like “a fat little Dutchman.”
1919
The Reagan family moves to Dixon, Illinois, a picturesque town along the Rock River. Reagan spends his formative years here, developing a love for small-town life, which later shapes his vision of American values.
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He learns the importance of hard work and community, working various jobs, including as a lifeguard, where he saves 77 lives over seven summers.
1928
Reagan graduates from Dixon High School. He is an outgoing and popular student, excelling in sports such as football and swimming. He also shines in theater, where his natural charisma and love of performance emerge. His early interest in public speaking and leadership begins to take root as he leads his school’s drama club.
1928–1932
Reagan attends Eureka College in Illinois, a small liberal arts school. Although he struggles initially with academic challenges, he becomes deeply involved in campus life, participating in football, swimming, and numerous theater productions.
His leadership abilities are recognized when he is elected student body president. At Eureka, he develops a passion for public service and learns the art of persuasive communication.
1933
After graduating during the Great Depression, Reagan starts his career as a radio sports announcer for WHO in Des Moines, Iowa. He captivates listeners with his vivid and dramatic play-by-play descriptions, even re-creating baseball games from telegraph reports. His voice and charm quickly make him a local celebrity.
1937
During a trip to California as part of his broadcasting job, Reagan takes a screen test with Warner Bros. and lands a seven-year contract. He moves to Hollywood and begins acting in films, with his first credited role in Love Is on the Air.
Over the next decade, Reagan appears in over 50 films, including Kings Row (1942), which earns critical acclaim and boosts his profile as a leading man.
1940
Reagan marries actress Jane Wyman, whom he met while filming Brother Rat. Their marriage is initially happy, and they have two children: Maureen, born in 1941, and Michael, adopted in 1945. However, their relationship begins to strain under the pressures of fame, differing political views, and Reagan’s increasing interest in public affairs.
1941
Reagan stars in Knute Rockne, All American, portraying Notre Dame football star George Gipp. His delivery of the famous line, “Win one for the Gipper,” becomes a cultural touchstone and earns him lifelong recognition as “The Gipper.”
1942–1945
During World War II, Reagan is classified for limited military service due to poor eyesight. He joins the U.S. Army Air Force and serves in the First Motion Picture Unit, producing over 400 training films and propaganda materials.
His work focuses on boosting troop morale and training soldiers, combining his Hollywood skills with patriotic service.
1947–1952, 1959–1960
Reagan becomes president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) during a tumultuous time in Hollywood. He navigates labor disputes, fights for actors’ rights, and cooperates with anti-communist investigations during the Red Scare. This role introduces him to the world of politics and shapes his anti-communist stance.
1948
Reagan and Jane Wyman divorce, making Reagan the first future U.S. president to have been divorced. The split is attributed to career differences and disagreements over Reagan’s growing political interests. Despite the separation, Reagan remains a devoted father to his children.
1952
Reagan marries actress Nancy Davis, who becomes his greatest supporter and partner in life. Nancy, a former MGM actress, is deeply committed to her husband’s career and personal well-being. Together, they have two children: Patti, born in 1952, and Ron Jr., born in 1958.
1954–1962
Reagan hosts General Electric Theater, a popular television anthology series. As a corporate spokesperson for General Electric, he travels across the country, giving speeches about free enterprise and limited government. These experiences refine his communication skills and strengthen his conservative political beliefs.
1964
Reagan delivers his iconic “A Time for Choosing” speech in support of Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. The televised speech highlights Reagan’s eloquence and passion for conservative principles, including limited government and individual freedom. It catapults him into the national political spotlight.
1966
Reagan is elected Governor of California, defeating incumbent Pat Brown by a wide margin. As governor, he focuses on reducing taxes, streamlining government, and cracking down on student protests, particularly at the University of California, Berkeley. His leadership style appeals to voters seeking order and fiscal responsibility.
1970
Reagan is reelected as governor, continuing his focus on conservative policies. During his tenure, he balances the state budget and tackles controversial issues such as welfare reform and environmental regulations. These accomplishments solidify his reputation as a capable leader.
1976
Reagan challenges President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination. Although he loses, his campaign energizes conservative voters and lays the groundwork for his future presidential bid.
1980
Reagan wins the Republican nomination and defeats President Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory. His campaign focuses on economic recovery, national strength, and restoring American optimism. His slogan, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” resonates with voters.
January 20, 1981
Reagan is inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States. On the same day, Iran releases 52 American hostages who had been held for 444 days, marking a symbolic moment of renewed American strength under his leadership.
March 30, 1981
Reagan survives an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. Despite being seriously injured, Reagan’s quick humor and resilience during his recovery win admiration from the American people and boost his popularity.
1981–1982
Reagan implements “Reaganomics,” a set of economic policies focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing government spending. While the policies spur economic growth, they also lead to increased national debt and debates about income inequality.
1983
Reagan orders the U.S. invasion of Grenada to counter a Marxist regime and protect American students on the island. The successful operation underscores his commitment to combating communism in the Western Hemisphere.
1984
Reagan runs for reelection, facing Democratic challenger Walter Mondale. His campaign emphasizes the economic recovery and patriotic optimism under his leadership. Reagan wins in a historic landslide, carrying 49 out of 50 states and securing 525 electoral votes, the largest margin in U.S. history.
1985
Reagan begins his second term with a focus on foreign policy. He launches the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a missile defense program aimed at protecting the U.S. from nuclear attacks. Dubbed “Star Wars” by critics, the initiative becomes a cornerstone of his strategy to counter the Soviet Union.
1986
Reagan signs the Tax Reform Act of 1986, one of the most significant overhauls of the tax code in U.S. history, simplifying tax brackets and eliminating many deductions.
Later that year, the Iran-Contra Affair emerges, revealing a covert operation involving the sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of funds to Nicaraguan Contra rebels. Reagan’s administration faces intense scrutiny, though his personal involvement remains unclear.
1987
Reagan delivers his iconic “Tear Down This Wall” speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, directly challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall. This moment becomes a symbol of his aggressive stance against communism and his commitment to ending the Cold War.
1988
Reagan and Gorbachev sign the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the first arms reduction agreement to eliminate an entire class of nuclear weapons. The treaty marks a significant step in thawing U.S.-Soviet relations and demonstrates Reagan’s willingness to negotiate for peace despite his earlier hardline rhetoric.
1989
Reagan leaves office on January 20, 1989, with high approval ratings. His presidency is credited with revitalizing the U.S. economy, restoring national confidence, and contributing to the eventual end of the Cold War. He retires to California with Nancy, dedicating his time to writing and public speaking.
1991
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library opens in Simi Valley, California. It becomes a center for preserving Reagan’s legacy, hosting exhibits, events, and programs that celebrate his life and achievements. The library also serves as his final resting place.
1994
Reagan announces in an open letter to the American people that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In the letter, he writes poignantly about beginning his “journey into the sunset of my life” and expresses gratitude for the support of the American people.
2004
On June 5, 2004, Ronald Reagan passes away at the age of 93 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His death prompts an outpouring of tributes from around the world.
A state funeral is held in Washington, D.C., attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and everyday citizens who come to pay their respects. Reagan is remembered as a transformative leader who reshaped the American political landscape and inspired a generation.