Interesting Facts about Ronald Reagan

I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace: to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete. ~ Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico (Illinois) on 6th February, 1911, as a second son to John Reagan and Nellie Wilson. In childhood days, his father nicknamed him 'Dutch' as his appearance and haircut resembled that of a Dutchman. In the late 1920, the Reagans shifted to Dixon, where Ronald did his schooling. During his school days, he developed an interest in sports, storytelling and acting. Let's take a look at the interesting facts about Ronald Reagan.

Interesting Facts about Ronald Reagan

In 1926, during high school days, Ronald Reagan joined his first job as a lifeguard at the Rock River, near Dixon. There, he saved the lives of 77 people. In 1928, he won an athletic scholarship, which enabled him to enrolled in Eureka College. He completed his bachelor's degree, majoring in economics and sociology. He was an active participant in college sports activities, particularly football and swimming.

After graduation, he worked as a sports announcer with several radio stations. In 1937, he had given a screen test and won a seven-year contract with Warner Brothers. This way, he got a break in Hollywood movies. In the same year, his first movie 'Love is on the Air' released, for which he received many raved reviews.

During the Second World War (1937), Ronald Reagan joined the Army Air Corps and gained the position of captain; however, he quit the job in 1945. The same year, he resumed his acting career. He married his costar Jane Wyman in 1940, had two children and adopted a third child. In oppose to Reagan's political ambition, Wyman divorced him in 1949. In 1952, he married his second wife Nancy Davis. He is the first American president to have been divorced.

Till the 1940s, Ronald Reagan was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. However, after the Second World War, his political views changed and he switched to the Republican Party. He delivered television speeches in support of Barry Goldwater and by 1964, Ronald Reagan already become a political figure. Though Barry Goldwater lost the Presidential election, Ronald Reagan won the hearts of many people and became a popular face in American politics.

In 1967, Ronald Reagan became the governor of California. During his first term, he made many social reforms like budget cuts and hiked student fees. His fruitful political contribution as a Governor was proved by the fact that he won the next term in 1971. In his second term, he implemented strict rules regarding the eligibility for serving in welfare aid and many other welfare reforms. Though he promised to minimize tax, he could not achieve this election commitment during his term.

In the year 1980, Ronald Reagan won the Presidential Election of the United States. He pursued policies that emphasized personal freedom, expanded the scope of the military, improved the US economy and brought an end to the Cold War. The economy policies that were enacted in 1981 were called Reaganomics. The economic policies aimed at reduction in social spending and enhancing entrepreneurship. Due to his political excellence, he won a second term in 1985.

Ronald Reagan is the oldest President of the United States; he was 77 years old when he left the office in 1989. He died on June 5, 2004, due to pneumonia. The life of Ronald Reagan has taught us a wonderful lesson that if you strive honestly in life, then success is guaranteed. Due to his strong pathbreaking political views, the world remembers him by the name 'The Gipper' and 'The Great Communicator'.