Ronald Reagan Research Paper

Reagan was born on February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois. Ronald Wilson Reagan was the second child of John Reagan, who was a shoe salesman, and Nelle Reagan. Ronald Reagans family lived in poverty throughout his childhood. This was as a result of John Reagans struggle with alcoholism. His family was always on the move. For several years they moved from town to town in search of a permanent settlement. His family finally settled in Dixon, Illinois; where Reagan describes his childhood as the happiest period of his life. Reagan attended college at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. He played gridiron football and was largely associated with the drama society. Reagan, a very popular student, was elected class president in his senior year at
Hinckley, who fired a 22 caliber revolver at Reagan 6 times. Reagan was hit in the chest by one of the 6 shots, fortunately he survived the attack. Three other men were hit in the attack, one of which died later on from injury sustained during this event. Ronald Reagan is considered by many, one of the greatest presidents of all time. Regardless of people's opinions, Reagan undeniably changed the world in the 1980's. Reagan worked to bring the ideal of American exceptionalism back to the United States, to set the economy on the right track, and to end the Communist threat which was present since the end of World War II. Reagan certainly accomplished more in his 8 year presidency than most 20th Century Presidents. He is widely remembered as the man who ended the Cold War and is forever hailed as the man who led to the conservative resurgence in The United States of America. Reagan worked extremely hard to accomplish his goals and truly changed history in the
The United States and Soviet Union signed an agreement in 1987, which eliminated short ranged nuclear missiles. Soon after, Reagan spoke at the Berlin Wall (a large symbol of communism) in Germany. During his speech he challenged Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, to tear the wall down. About two and a half years later, Gorbachev gave permission to the people of Berlin to dismantle the wall. Reagan was re-elected to the White House in the election of 1984. He blew out his opponent, Walter Mondale, by an absolute landslide. Reagan won 49 of 50 states in the election and received 525 out of 538 electoral votes. This was the largest numbers ever won by an American candidate. After leaving the White House, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library opened as a tribute in Simi Valley, California. Reagan died on June 5, 2004 at the age of 93 in his home in Los Angeles after revealing to the American people that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Reagan is the longest living president in United States history. He will be forever remembered as one of Americas greatest presidents to ever come to