Ronald Reagan first gained success as a movie star in Hollywood during the 1940s. He later turned to politics and became an even greater success as the main spokesman for conservative Republicans and then as president. After serving two terms as governor of California, he was elected president in 1980 and re-elected in 1984. Reagan brought a sense of optimism and good nature to his conservative cause. He worked to reduce the size of the federal government and passed major tax cuts. At the same time, he increased spending on the military, pledging to continue the fight against Soviet Communism. His determined actions contributed to the overthrow of Communist governments and the dissolution of the Soviet Union soon after he left office. In 1988, Reagan's vice president, George Bush, was elected president to carry on his policies. Includes color illustrations, a timeline, boxed features on events and people of special interest, and lively text introducing the featured president and the times in which he lived.

Biography of our 40th president.