Introduction
Ronald Reagan is a towering figure in American politics, revered by conservatives and often criticized by liberals. However, during his lifetime, Reagan's story was far more nuanced than the polarized views we see today. While his policies were controversial, his charm and communication skills made him widely popular as a person.
In "Reagan," historian H. W. Brands takes readers on a journey through Reagan's life - from his humble beginnings in Illinois to his rise as a Hollywood actor, and ultimately to his transformative presidency. This biography provides an in-depth look at the man who reshaped American conservatism and left an indelible mark on U.S. politics.
Early Life and Hollywood Career
A Crowd Pleaser from the Start
Ronald Reagan's childhood was marked by three key elements: his father's alcoholism, his mother's unwavering support, and his discovery that making people laugh could overcome his insecurities. Growing up in Illinois during the Great Depression, Reagan's family struggled financially and moved frequently. As the perpetual "new kid," Reagan found it difficult to make friends and excel in sports.
However, young Reagan discovered his talent for public speaking at his mother's church. The first time he earned laughter and applause from an audience, he was hooked. This early experience set the stage for his future career in entertainment and politics.
During college in southern Illinois, Reagan's good looks and theatrical skills propelled him into student politics. Though he was a mediocre student academically, he excelled in campus leadership roles. It was also during this time that Reagan fell in love with movies, spending hours watching both Westerns and sentimental silent films.
From Radio to the Silver Screen
After college, Reagan landed a job as a radio sportscaster. It was the early 1930s, and Franklin D. Roosevelt had just been elected president. Reagan was captivated by Roosevelt's famous "Fireside Chats" - radio addresses that comforted and inspired the nation during difficult times. Reagan listened intently, absorbing lessons in communication that would serve him well in the future.
Ambitious for more than just radio, Reagan orchestrated a trip to Southern California. Through a series of fortunate connections, he secured a screen test with Warner Bros. Studios. Before he knew it, Reagan had signed a seven-year contract and was on his way to Hollywood.
Reagan's Hollywood Years
Upon arriving in Hollywood in 1937, Reagan underwent a makeover. Though he wasn't considered classically handsome by Hollywood standards, his midwestern charm and natural on-screen presence made him a hit with audiences. Reagan threw himself into his new career, starring in numerous films and enjoying the glamorous lifestyle of a movie star.
During this time, Reagan met and married actress Jane Wyman. He also bought a house for his parents and gave his father a job managing his fan mail. These were happy, prosperous years for Reagan.
World War II changed the trajectory of Reagan's film career. Too nearsighted for combat, he contributed to the war effort by starring in propaganda films. These patriotic roles began to associate Reagan with American values in the public's mind - a connection that would prove valuable in his future political career.
From Actor to Union Leader
After the war, Reagan's acting career began to decline. As the film industry changed, there were fewer roles for actors like Reagan. However, this setback led him to become involved in Hollywood politics. He became vice president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in 1946 and was elected president in 1947.
During this time, Reagan's political views began to solidify. He became increasingly concerned about communist influence in Hollywood and aligned himself with the studio bosses rather than the unions during labor disputes. This anti-communist stance led to his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1947, where he argued that Hollywood could police itself without government interference.
Reagan's involvement in Hollywood politics marked the beginning of his transition from actor to political figure. His public support for the blacklisting of suspected communists in the film industry further cemented his conservative credentials.
The Road to Politics
Personal Changes and New Opportunities
As Reagan's focus shifted from acting to politics, his personal life also underwent significant changes. His marriage to Jane Wyman ended in divorce in 1947. However, he soon met Nancy Davis, a young actress who would become his partner for over five decades. They married in 1952, forming a union that would be central to Reagan's personal and political life.
The rise of television in the 1950s further diminished Reagan's prospects as a film actor. However, this new medium would ultimately prove to be a powerful tool in Reagan's political career. In 1953, he accepted an offer from General Electric to host a television series and serve as a company spokesman. This role allowed Reagan to hone his skills as a communicator and connect with audiences across America.
Embracing Conservatism
Through his work with GE, Reagan traveled the country, speaking to workers and management alike. These experiences exposed him to the concerns of ordinary Americans and helped shape his political views. Gradually, Reagan realized that his beliefs no longer aligned with the Democratic Party. In 1962, he officially registered as a Republican.
The Republican Party that Reagan joined was at a crossroads, divided between moderates like Richard Nixon and conservatives like Barry Goldwater. Reagan found himself drawn to Goldwater's message of small government and strong national defense. In 1964, Reagan delivered a televised speech in support of Goldwater's presidential campaign. This address, known as "A Time for Choosing," was a watershed moment in Reagan's political career.
The speech showcased Reagan's ability to communicate complex ideas in a relatable, engaging manner. He used humor and anecdotes to illustrate his points about smaller government and strong defense. The address was a hit, raising $1 million for Goldwater's campaign and establishing Reagan as a rising star in conservative politics.
Governor of California
The Path to Sacramento
Following his successful speech for Goldwater, California Republicans began to consider Reagan as a potential candidate for governor. The timing was fortuitous - the civil rights movement and student protests of the 1960s had triggered a conservative backlash across the country. Reagan's message of traditional values and law and order resonated with many voters.
Reagan's campaign platform focused on reducing the size of government, protecting individual rights, and cracking down on civil unrest, particularly the student protests at the University of California, Berkeley. He also criticized Democrats for pandering to minority groups, using language that appealed to conservative white voters.
His message proved effective. Reagan won the Republican primary by a wide margin and went on to defeat the incumbent Democratic governor by over a million votes in the general election.
Governing California
As governor, Reagan focused on big ideas and principles, leaving the details to his staff. His primary goal was to cut both taxes and government spending. However, he quickly discovered that governing was more complex than campaigning. The state's budget deficit made it impossible to cut taxes without also raising revenue elsewhere. Ultimately, Reagan had to approve a tax increase of $950 million - a move that contradicted his campaign promises but demonstrated his ability to compromise when necessary.
One of Reagan's most contentious battles as governor was with the University of California system. He raised tuition fees, leading to student protests. Reagan responded forcefully, sending state troopers to quell demonstrations at Berkeley and even authorizing the use of tear gas. These actions, while controversial, ultimately succeeded in implementing his desired changes to the university system.
Despite these challenges, Reagan's popularity remained high. He was easily re-elected for a second term, further cementing his status as a rising star in the Republican Party.
The Road to the White House
Preparing for a Presidential Run
As Richard Nixon's presidency unraveled due to the Watergate scandal, Reagan saw an opportunity. With Nixon's resignation in 1974 and Gerald Ford's ascension to the presidency, there was no clear Republican heir apparent. Reagan began to position himself for a presidential run.
To maintain his public profile, Reagan chose an unusual medium: radio. He began hosting a daily radio program, reaching millions of listeners across the country. These broadcasts allowed Reagan to refine his message and keep his name in the public consciousness. His ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, relatable manner became one of his greatest political assets.
The 1976 Campaign
In 1976, Reagan made the bold decision to challenge incumbent President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination. At 65, Reagan was already considered old by American political standards, and he knew this might be his last chance at the presidency.
The primary campaign was hard-fought, with Reagan pushing Ford to the right on many issues. Although Reagan ultimately lost the nomination, the campaign raised his national profile significantly. Interestingly, Reagan did little to support Ford in the general election, believing that a Ford loss to Democrat Jimmy Carter would discredit moderate Republicanism and pave the way for a more conservative nominee (namely, himself) in the future.
The Carter Years and Reagan's Rise
Jimmy Carter's presidency proved challenging from the start. His focus on human rights in foreign policy was criticized as naive, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with the Soviet Union. The Iranian Revolution and subsequent hostage crisis further damaged Carter's reputation.
Meanwhile, Reagan announced his candidacy for the 1980 presidential election. With Carter's approval ratings at historic lows and the economy struggling, Reagan's message of smaller government and a tougher stance against communism resonated with many voters. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 further bolstered Reagan's foreign policy arguments.
During the campaign, Reagan's charisma and communication skills shone through, particularly in his debates with Carter. His famous line, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" encapsulated the dissatisfaction many Americans felt with the Carter administration.
The election results were decisive: Reagan won by more than eight million votes, carrying 44 states. The Reagan era had begun.
The Reagan Presidency: First Term
Economic Policy: Reaganomics
Upon taking office in 1981, Reagan's top priority was addressing the struggling economy. His approach, which came to be known as "Reaganomics," centered on four main principles: reducing tax rates, cutting government spending, deregulating the economy, and controlling the money supply to reduce inflation.
Reagan's first major legislative push was for across-the-board tax cuts. This was politically popular but challenging to balance with spending cuts. In a televised address to the nation, Reagan used his communication skills to explain his economic plan in simple terms and urged citizens to contact their representatives. The strategy worked, and Congress passed his budget.
The results of these policies were mixed. While inflation did decrease and economic growth eventually picked up, the combination of tax cuts and increased defense spending led to ballooning federal deficits. This contradiction between Reagan's small-government rhetoric and the reality of growing national debt would remain a point of criticism throughout his presidency.
Foreign Policy: The Evil Empire
Reagan's approach to foreign policy was characterized by a strong anti-communist stance and a desire to reassert American power on the global stage. He famously referred to the Soviet Union as an "Evil Empire" and sought to challenge Soviet influence around the world.
One of the key areas of focus was Central America, particularly Nicaragua, where the Soviet-backed Sandinista government was in power. Reagan authorized covert support for the anti-Sandinista "Contras," a decision that would later lead to controversy in his second term.
Reagan also pushed for increased defense spending, arguing that military strength was necessary to negotiate effectively with the Soviets. This "peace through strength" approach was controversial, with critics arguing that it could escalate tensions and increase the risk of nuclear war.
The Assassination Attempt
Just months into his presidency, Reagan faced a near-tragedy when he was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington hotel. Reagan's handling of the situation - he famously quipped to his wife, "Honey, I forgot to duck" - endeared him to many Americans and boosted his popularity.
The assassination attempt had a profound effect on both Reagan and his wife, Nancy. It heightened their sense of vulnerability and led Nancy to become more protective of her husband. She began consulting an astrologer to help determine "good" and "bad" days for presidential travel and public appearances, a practice that would later cause some controversy when it became public knowledge.
The 1984 Election
As Reagan's first term drew to a close, the economy had begun to recover from the early 1980s recession. This economic turnaround, combined with Reagan's personal popularity, put him in a strong position for re-election.
The Democratic nominee, Walter Mondale, tried to make Reagan's age an issue in the campaign. At 73, Reagan was the oldest person ever to run for president. However, Reagan deftly deflected these concerns with humor, famously quipping in a debate that he would not make age an issue and would not "exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."
Reagan won the 1984 election in a landslide, carrying 49 states and receiving the highest number of electoral votes in U.S. history. This overwhelming victory gave him a strong mandate for his second term.
The Reagan Presidency: Second Term
Arms Control and the Gorbachev Summits
Reagan's second term was dominated by foreign policy, particularly his evolving relationship with the Soviet Union. The ascension of Mikhail Gorbachev to leadership of the USSR in 1985 opened new possibilities for arms control negotiations.
Reagan and Gorbachev held several summit meetings, starting with a conference in Geneva in 1985. While these meetings didn't immediately produce concrete results, they helped to thaw relations between the superpowers and set the stage for future arms reduction agreements.
The most dramatic of these summits took place in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 1986. Reagan and Gorbachev came tantalizingly close to an agreement on major reductions in nuclear arsenals, but the talks ultimately broke down over Reagan's refusal to limit research on his Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as "Star Wars."
Despite this setback, the Reykjavik summit marked a turning point in U.S.-Soviet relations. It demonstrated that both leaders were genuinely interested in reducing nuclear tensions, even if they couldn't yet agree on the specifics.
The Iran-Contra Affair
The biggest scandal of Reagan's presidency erupted in late 1986 with the revelation of the Iran-Contra affair. The complex scandal involved the secret sale of weapons to Iran (which was under an arms embargo) in an attempt to secure the release of American hostages in Lebanon. Profits from these sales were then illegally diverted to support the Contra rebels in Nicaragua, in violation of a Congressional ban.
The scandal threatened to derail Reagan's presidency. While he denied knowledge of the details of the operation, the affair raised serious questions about his management style and the actions of his subordinates. Reagan's approval ratings plummeted, and there was even talk of impeachment.
However, Reagan's personal popularity and communication skills helped him weather the storm. In a televised address, he took responsibility for the affair while maintaining that he had been unaware of the details. While many Americans didn't fully believe this explanation, Reagan's apparent sincerity and willingness to admit error helped him retain public support.
Domestic Policy in the Second Term
On the domestic front, Reagan's second term saw the passage of a major tax reform bill in 1986. This legislation simplified the tax code, lowered rates, and eliminated many loopholes. It was seen as a significant bipartisan achievement, although some critics argued that it disproportionately benefited the wealthy.
Reagan also appointed three Supreme Court justices during his presidency, including the elevation of William Rehnquist to Chief Justice. These appointments helped shift the court in a more conservative direction, a legacy that would outlast Reagan's time in office.
The End of the Reagan Era
As Reagan's second term drew to a close, his administration could claim several significant achievements. The economy had experienced sustained growth, inflation had been brought under control, and relations with the Soviet Union had improved dramatically. The INF Treaty, signed in 1987, marked the first time the superpowers had agreed to reduce their nuclear arsenals rather than simply limit their growth.
However, Reagan's presidency also left a mixed legacy. The national debt had nearly tripled during his eight years in office, and critics argued that his policies had exacerbated income inequality. The Iran-Contra affair had raised serious questions about the conduct of foreign policy and the limits of executive power.
Despite these controversies, Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings. His vice president, George H.W. Bush, won the 1988 election, promising to continue many of Reagan's policies.
Legacy and Later Years
The Great Communicator
Reagan's most lasting nickname was "The Great Communicator," a testament to his ability to connect with the American people. His folksy charm, use of humor, and talent for explaining complex issues in simple terms made him an effective advocate for his policies, even among those who disagreed with him.
This communication skill was perhaps Reagan's greatest political asset. He used television and radio to speak directly to the American people, often bypassing the traditional media to make his case. His speeches, particularly his farewell address with its evocation of America as a "shining city on a hill," continue to resonate in American political discourse.
The Conservative Revolution
Reagan's presidency marked a decisive shift in American politics towards conservatism. He championed lower taxes, reduced government regulation, and a strong national defense. These principles, often referred to as the "three-legged stool" of modern conservatism, continue to shape Republican Party ideology to this day.
Reagan also changed the terms of political debate in the United States. He popularized the idea that "government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem," a sentiment that has become a core tenet of conservative thought. His optimistic vision of America and unapologetic patriotism also had a lasting impact on political rhetoric.
Foreign Policy Legacy
In foreign affairs, Reagan's legacy is complex. His supporters credit his tough stance against the Soviet Union with hastening the end of the Cold War. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union seemed to vindicate Reagan's approach.
However, critics argue that Reagan's policies, particularly in Central America and the Middle East, led to long-term instability in these regions. The Iran-Contra affair also raised serious questions about the conduct of foreign policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
Economic Legacy
Reagan's economic policies, dubbed "Reaganomics," continue to be debated by economists and policymakers. Supporters argue that his tax cuts and deregulation spurred economic growth and entrepreneurship. Critics contend that these policies led to increased income inequality and set the stage for future financial crises.
The dramatic increase in the national debt during Reagan's presidency also remains a point of contention. While Reagan came into office promising to balance the budget, he left with the debt nearly tripled. This contradiction between small-government rhetoric and deficit spending has been a recurring theme in American politics since Reagan's time.
Personal Legacy and Final Years
After leaving office, Reagan remained a popular figure in the Republican Party. He earned substantial sums from speaking engagements and book deals. However, his post-presidency was tragically cut short by the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
In 1994, Reagan announced to the nation that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This public disclosure helped raise awareness of the disease and spurred increased funding for research. Reagan's long decline, cared for by his devoted wife Nancy, touched many Americans and added a poignant final chapter to his life story.
Reagan died in 2004 at the age of 93. His state funeral was one of the largest in American history, a testament to his enduring impact on the nation.
Conclusion
Ronald Reagan's journey from small-town Illinois to Hollywood to the White House is a quintessentially American story. His presidency marked a turning point in U.S. history, ushering in a new era of conservatism and reshaping both domestic and foreign policy.
Reagan's greatest strength was his ability to articulate a clear, optimistic vision for America. Whether one agreed with his policies or not, his impact on American political discourse is undeniable. He changed the way Americans thought about government, taxes, and the country's role in the world.
However, Reagan's legacy is not without controversy. The gap between his small-government rhetoric and the reality of increased deficits, the Iran-Contra scandal, and the long-term effects of some of his policies continue to be debated.
Ultimately, Ronald Reagan left an indelible mark on American politics and culture. His vision of America as a "shining city on a hill" continues to inspire his admirers, while his policies and their consequences continue to shape political debates. Love him or hate him, there's no denying that Ronald Reagan was one of the most consequential presidents of the 20th century, whose influence continues to be felt in American politics today.