Ronald Reagan traveled one of the most remarkable paths in American public life from small-town Illinois and Hollywood soundstages to the governor’s mansion in California and ultimately the presidency of the United States.

Beginning his career as a radio sports announcer, Reagan became a successful motion-picture actor and later president of the Screen Actors Guild. His experiences in Hollywood, labor politics, and the struggle against communist influence helped transform him from a New Deal Democrat into one of the most important conservative leaders of the twentieth century. After serving two terms as governor of California, Reagan won the presidency in 1980 at a moment of economic anxiety, international tension, and declining national confidence. With his gift for communication, optimistic manner, and promise to restore American strength, he reshaped the Republican Party and brought conservative ideas into the political mainstream.

His administration reduced taxes, deregulated industries, expanded military spending, confronted the Soviet Union, and promoted free-market economics. Supporters credit him with reviving American confidence and helping bring the Cold War toward a peaceful conclusion. Critics argue that his policies increased inequality, weakened social protections, and sharply expanded the national debt.