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

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 key figure in the American conservative movement and the Republican Party. His presidency, known as the Reagan era, saw significant policy changes and a shift in political landscape.

Sections (7)

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

1968: Fair Housing Act of 1968 loopholes corrected

In September, legislation was passed to correct loopholes in the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

1981: Sandra Day O'Connor appointed to Supreme Court

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

1982: Voting Rights Act Extended

In 1982, despite Reagan's prior opposition, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was extended for 25 years.

1983: Martin Luther King Jr. Day established

In 1983, Reagan signed a bill to create Martin Luther King Jr. Day after it passed both houses of Congress with veto-proof margins, despite his initial opposition.

1986: Antonin Scalia appointed to Supreme Court

In 1986, President Reagan appointed Antonin Scalia as Associate Justice to the Supreme Court.

1988: Anthony Kennedy appointed to Supreme Court

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

1988: Reagan Era Extension

Since 1988, Republican presidential candidates have invoked Reagan's policies and beliefs. The George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations are often treated as an extension of the Reagan era.

November 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin wall fell in November 1989 and Reagan's June 1987 demand to "tear down this wall" was retroactively recast as a soaring achievement.

1989: Retirement Activities

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

1990: Budget Enforcement Act

In 1990, Reagan's successor, Bush, reneged on his campaign promise by raising taxes through the Budget Enforcement Act.

1990: Post-Presidency Approval

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.

March 1991: Op-Ed on Brady Bill

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

1991: Opening of Reagan Library

In 1991, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was opened.

1991: Dissolution of the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, marking the end of the Cold War, to which Reagan is considered to have critically contributed.

1992: Decline in Approval

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

1992: Address to Republican National Convention

In 1992, Reagan addressed the Republican National Convention, aiming to inspire allegiance to the party regulars, and he favored a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget.

May 1994: Letter Supporting Assault Weapons Ban

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

2006: Peak Favorability

In 2006, favorability of Reagan's presidency reached its highest ever: 71 percent approval.

2008: Scholarly Consensus on Reagan's Legacy

In 2008, historian M. J. Heale summarized the scholarly consensus that "Reagan rehabilitated conservatism, turned the country to the right...revived faith in the presidency and American self-respect, and contributed to critically ending the Cold War".