Lasting Legacy of Ronald Reagan: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2025

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Ronald Reagan across different fields.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th U.S. President (1981-1989), was a pivotal figure in the American conservative movement. A Republican, he implemented supply-side economics, dubbed "Reaganomics," which aimed to reduce government spending and taxes to stimulate economic growth. Reagan strengthened the military, challenged the Soviet Union, and is credited by some with helping to end the Cold War. Domestically, he faced challenges like the AIDS epidemic and the Iran-Contra affair. Before his presidency, he was a Hollywood actor and Governor of California.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1981: Appointment of Sandra Day O'Connor

In 1981, Reagan appointed Sandra Day O'Connor as Associate Justice to the Supreme Court, fulfilling a campaign promise to name the first female justice to the Court.

1985: Fall in oil prices impacts Soviet economy

In 1985, the prices of oil, the primary source of Soviet export revenues, fell to one third of the previous level, contributing to a stagnant economy during Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership.

1985: State of the Union Address: Support for freedom fighters

In his 1985 State of the Union Address, Reagan proclaimed support for freedom fighters as self-defense, solidifying the Reagan Doctrine of supporting anti-communist movements against Soviet-backed groups worldwide.

1986: Appointments of Antonin Scalia and William Rehnquist

In 1986, Reagan appointed Antonin Scalia as Associate Justice and elevated William Rehnquist from Associate Justice to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

1988: Appointment of Anthony Kennedy

In 1988, Reagan appointed Anthony Kennedy as Associate Justice to the Supreme Court.

1988: Republican presidential candidates invoke Reagan's policies

Since 1988, Republican presidential candidates have invoked Ronald Reagan's policies and beliefs.

November 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall

In November 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, which was retroactively recast as a soaring achievement following Reagan's demand to Gorbachev to tear it down in 1987.

1989: Reagan speaks out about gun control

In 1989, Ronald Reagan made his first public appearance after leaving office and shortly after the Stockton schoolyard shooting, he stated his views on gun control.

1989: Reagan supports repealing presidential term limits

In 1989, Ronald Reagan supported repealing the Twenty-second Amendment's presidential term limits.

1990: Gallup survey on Reagan's presidency

In 1990, a year after he left office, a Gallup survey found that 54 percent of Americans said they approved of the overall job Reagan did as president.

1990: Budget Enforcement Act of 1990

Jeffrey Frankel opined that the deficits were a major reason why Reagan's successor, Bush, reneged on his campaign promise by raising taxes through the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990.

March 1991: Reagan writes "Why I'm for the Brady Bill"

In March 1991, Ronald Reagan wrote an op-ed in the New York Times, titled "Why I'm for the Brady Bill".

1991: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Opens

In 1991, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library opened.

1991: Dissolution of the Soviet Union

In 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved. This marked the end of the Cold War.

1992: Approval of Reagan administration declines

In 1992 the number of Americans who approved of the Reagan administration declined to 48 percent.

1992: Reagan addresses the Republican National Convention

In 1992, Ronald Reagan addressed the Republican National Convention and favored a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget.

May 1994: Reagan, Ford, and Carter support the Federal Assault Weapons Ban

In May 1994, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter sent a letter to House members, urging them to support the controversial Federal Assault Weapons Ban.