Reagan Presidency Timeline
You can find this storyboard in the following articles and resources:
1980s America: The Ronald Reagan Presidency
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
Ronald Reagan was an iconic and controversial president during the twilight of the Cold War. The impacts of his presidency remain in the news today; Reagan continues to be praised as a conservative hero, but is criticized for the long term impact of his social and economic policies. Learn more about his presidency with Storyboard That.
Storyboard Description
Reagan Presidency Timeline - 1980s America Graphic Organizer
Storyboard Text
- REAGAN ELECTED PRESIDENT
- MAJOR EVENTS OF RONALD REAGAN'S PRESIDENCY
- Republican candidate Ronald Reagan defeated Democrat incumbent Jimmy Carter to become the 40th president. Reagan brought with him a conservative platform in what historians deem the "New Right". Reagan aimed to reform major economic policies, but he also inherited a standstill Cold War with the Soviet Union.
- REAGAN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
- INITIATION OF SDI (STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE)
- SDI: "STAR WARS"
- On March 30th, 1981, while leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel after giving a speech, Reagan was shot by John W. Hinckley, Jr. Despite being shot, Reagan survived the attack and his popularity soars, with his approval rating rising to 70%. Questions of his physical stamina and strength as the oldest serving president were quickly thrust aside.
- In the midst of the Cold War, with tensions still rising between the U.S. and Soviet Union, Reagan called for the Strategic Defense Initiative, or as the media dubbed it, "Star Wars". Calling for a massive space satellite to intercept and destroy Soviet missiles, the initiative served as an example of Reagan's massive military defense spending.
- REAGAN RE-ELECTED FOR SECOND TERM
- REAGAN WINS!
- SUMMIT MEETING WITH GORBACHEV IN GENEVA
- Ronald Reagan was again nominated as the Republican presidential candidate amidst his immense popularity. He defeated Democratic nominee Walter Mondale in a landslide victory, taking over 58% of the popular vote, along with a staggering 525 electoral votes.
- CHALLENGER EXPLOSION
- Despite criticism both domestically and abroad for his immense military build up, Reagan continued to improve relations with the Soviet Union and newly-elected leader Mikhail Gorbachev. At the Geneva Summit, it was the first meeting of both the U.S. and Soviet heads of state since 1979.
- REAGAN EXITS OFFICE AS MOST POPULAR SINCE FDR
- Farewell, my fellow Americans!
- On January 28th, 1986, the nation watched as NASA's Challenger shuttle exploded in midair moments after takeoff. Many were saddened by the loss of Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space. Reagan addressed the nation with a sympathetic speech honoring the victims. The speech increased his popularity.
- Reagan exited the executive office in 1989 with a 64% approval rating. In addition, he was deemed the most popular president to serve since FDR, a tremendous honor. Reagan left behind a much-debated legacy, yet many still loved and admired him for his true love of the United States, and restoration of American pride and nationalism.
- Image Attributions:έκρηξη : explosion via NASA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dullhunk/8425615661/) - dullhunk - License: Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Image Attributions
- έκρηξη : explosion via NASA - dullhunk - (License Attribution )
Over 30 Million Storyboards Created