Ronald Reagan

Biography
Tommy Marchin
 Early Life
Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois on February
6, 1911.
His family had to move from town to town, for his father to
find a job.
They finally settled in Dixon, Illinois.
While in Dixon, Reagan worked as a lifeguard at age 15.
He played basketball, football, ran track, and acted in
school plays at Dixon High School.
After high school, he went to Eureka College and majored
in Economics and Sociology
Family Ronald Wilson Reagan was the second
child of John and Nelle Reagan.
At the time, his father was a shoe
salesman, but could not hold a job
because of his drinking problem.
While acting, he married and divorced
Jane Wyman. Adopting her two children.
His successful marriage was with Nancy
Reagan, during his political rise.
Together, they had two children, Patti
Ann, and Ronald Prescott, Reagan
(Ronald Reagan Genealogy).
Acting Career
Reagans first job after college was a radio broadcaster.
One of the most popular sportscasters in Iowa (pres profile).
While working for the Chicago Cubs, an agent got him a screen test with
Warner Brothers. (Profiles of U.S. Presidents)
He acted in his first movie in 1937, and appeared in more than 50
movies throughout his career.
While working on a movie, he met and married Jane wyman. Later went
on to get divorced, being the only president to do so.
When WW11 broke out, he acted in, and produced military training
videos.
Warner Brothers made him out to be a war veteran even though he never
fought (Encyclopdia Britannica).
HIs transition from acting to politics came from becoming president of
the Screen Actors Guild Union.
Political Rise
After serving as President of the Screen Actors Guild Union, Reagan
joined campaign for Harry Truman (democrat) in 1948.
Then he campaigns with Eisenhower in 1952.
During democratic campaign with Richard Nixon in 1960, he became
more conservative and switched to republican.
New conservative wife added to his switch.
In 1966, he becomes Governor of California. Serves two terms
While governor of California, he ran for President in 1968, then
successfully ran against Carter in 1980 (Encyclopdia Britannica).
While President
Achievements
Reagan ended the cold war with multiple
efforts that lead to the collapse of the
Soviet Union (Human Events)
Reaganomics helped the economy boom
for more than 20 years.
He brought the republican party back on
its feet after Watergate.
He Rebuilt the military as a global power.
He successfully proposed a big tax cut
with the Tax Reform Act in 1986.
He also survived being shot in the chest.
Assassination Attempt
Assassination attempt on Reagan on March 30th
1981, 69 days after becoming president.
John Hinckley Jr opens fire on President Reagan
after he addressed the Building and Construction
Workers Union.
Only 10 feet from Reagan, Hinckley opens fire,
misses but a bullet ricocheted off of the President's
limo and hits him in the chest.
Hinckley Attempted to assassinate President
Reagan to impress actress, Jodie Foster, after
stalking her for months (History).
Retirement
After his two terms, Ronald Reagan
retired as one of the most well like
Presidents of the United States, ever.
He was later diagnosed with
Alzheimers in 1994.
As it was hard for him to make public
appearances, his wife Nancy took his
place (Encyclopdia Britannica).
On June 5th, 2004, Reagan passed
away at the age of 93.
Bibliography
Human Events | Sunday Feb 6, 2011 3:01 AM, et al. Top 10 Reagan Achievements. Human
Events, humanevents.com/2011/02/06/top-10-reagan-achievements/.

Profiles of U.S. Presidents. Presidents: A Reference History,

www.presidentprofiles.com/Kennedy-Bush/Ronald-Reagan-Acting-career.html.

Ronald Reagan. Encyclopdia Britannica, Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc.,

www.britannica.com/biography/Ronald-Reagan.

Ronald Reagan Genealogy. Reagan Genealogy - President Ronald Reagan Family History,
www.archives.com/genealogy/president-reagan.html.

Ronald Reagan Is Shot by John Hinckley, Jr. History.com, A&E Television Networks,
www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ronald-reagan-is-shot-by-john-hinckley-jr.