Ronald Reagan

Birth of Ronald Reagan

Feb 6, 1911

Ronald Reagan was born on Feb. 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois, to Nelle Wilson Reagan and John Edward Reagan.

Reagan Attends College

Aug 10, 1928

Reagan attended Eureka College in Illinois from 1928-1932. During his time at college, Reagan was student body president and also became interested in drama during his sophomore year.

Caught Between Politics and Acting

Jan 1, 1937

All in the same year, Reagan enlists in the Army Reserve as a private but is soon promoted to 2nd lieutenant and an agent for Warner Brothers offers him a seven-year contract.

Getting Married

Jan 24, 1940

Reagan marries actress Jane Wyman, whom he met while making the movie Brother Rat.

Second Try at Marriage

Mar 4, 1952

Reagan and Jane Wynman divorced in 1949, soon after Reagan and movie actress Nancy Davis wed.

Launching of Reagan's Political Career

Oct 27, 1964

Reagan gave a televised address supporting Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. The speech was called "A Time for Choosing". The speech launched Reagans political career.

Nomination

Nov 20, 1975

Reagan finally announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president.

Running for Presidency AGAIN

Nov 13, 1979

Reagan lost the nomination for presidency but wasn't willing to give up. Reagan announces his candidacy for president. After finally winning the party's nomination, he chooses George Bush as his running mate.

Reagan Wins the Election

Nov 4, 1980

Reagan is elected president in a landslide victory over Jimmy Carter.

Swearing In

Jan 20, 1981

Reagan is sworn in as the 40th president of the United States. On the same day, Iran releases the 52 remaining hostages who had been held at the U.S. embassy in Tehran for 444 days.

Attempted Assasination

Mar 30, 1981

Reagan is shot in the chest upon leaving a Washington hotel but makes a full recovery after surgery. Three other people, including Reagan press secretary James Brady, are wounded in the assassination attempt. John Hinckley Jr. is charged but found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Alzheimer's Disease

Nov 5, 1994

Reagan discloses in a letter that he has Alzheimer's disease. "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life," he writes. "I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."

The End

Jun 5, 2004

Ronald Reagan dies in California at the age of 93. His legacy lives on.