Ronald Reagan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ronald Reagan. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1952: Republicans won a majority of seats in the Senate

On November 4, 1980, Republicans won a majority of seats in the Senate for the first time since 1952 while Democrats retained the House of Representatives.

1964: Gave speech for Barry Goldwater

In 1964, Reagan gave a speech titled "A Time for Choosing" for presidential contender Barry Goldwater, which, although not enough to turn around Goldwater's campaign, significantly increased Reagan's profile among conservatives.

1973: Budget surplus

By 1973, the budget had a surplus, which Reagan preferred "to give back to the people".

November 4, 1980: Won presidential election

On November 4, 1980, Reagan won a decisive victory in the Electoral College over Carter, carrying 44 states, also winning the popular vote by a narrower margin.

1980: Victory in Presidential Election

In 1980, Ronald Reagan won the Republican Party's nomination and the presidential election against Jimmy Carter.

January 20, 1981: Inaugurated as President

On January 20, 1981, Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th president of the United States, commenting on the country's economic malaise and stating that "government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem".

March 30, 1981: Assassination Attempt

On March 30, 1981, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton. He underwent surgery and recovered quickly, and the event created a bond between him and the American people.

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.

1983: End of Recession

In 1983, the recession ended.

1984: Reagan's approval rating nears 60%

By mid-1984, Ronald Reagan's approval rating neared 60 percent after his ratings rebounded following the invasion of Grenada.

1984: Re-election as President

In 1984, Ronald Reagan won a landslide victory in the presidential election, defeating Walter Mondale.

1987: Approval Ratings Recover

In mid-1987, Ronald Reagan's approval ratings began to recover after declining during the Iran–Contra scandal.

May 1988: U.S. Senate ratifies the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty

In May 1988, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor of ratifying the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, giving Reagan's popularity a major boost.