On this day in 1911, Ronald Wilson Reagan was born. Historians argue that his legacy continues to influence American politics today, especially among Republicans who currently hold power in the White House, House, and Senate.

Reagan is often remembered for the hope he inspired in many Americans as well as his establishment of modern conservatism. Chester Pach, a history professor at Ohio University, notes, “Many people reflect on Reagan’s presidency as a time when the country was prospering.”

On this anniversary, the White House described Reagan as “an extraordinary figure in American history, a champion of freedom and liberty.” According to a presidential statement, his legacy is defined by “restoring common sense to Washington and reinforcing the ideals of prosperity, safety, security, and peace that he valued deeply.”

Here are some key facts: Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. After graduating from Eureka College, he briefly worked as a sports announcer before his acting career began to take off. He served as California’s governor from 1967 to 1975 and then completed two full terms as president from 1981 to 1989, becoming the first president to do so since Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93, following several years battling Alzheimer’s disease.

The Impact of Reagan’s Presidency on Americans

The 1970s, leading up to Reagan’s first election, were fraught with economic challenges and the ongoing Cold War.

During this time, American hostages were taken captive in Iran, and public trust in government and military institutions had declined following the Vietnam War, according to William Inboden, director at the Alexander Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida and author of “The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, The Cold War, and the World on the Brink.”

“When Reagan took office, the nation was demoralized, with widespread beliefs that America was in decline and that the government was ineffective,” Inboden stated.

Reagan symbolized a transition. He pledged to implement deep tax cuts, reduce federal spending, and eliminate what he deemed unnecessary programs, Pach explained.

“In this challenging moment, government isn’t the recourse for our issues; it is the obstacle,” Reagan proclaimed in his first inaugural address in 1981.

By the end of his initial term, the economy had significantly improved, Inboden noted. Inflation decreased from a high of 13.5% in 1980 to 4.6% by the 1984 election. An influential campaign advertisement titled “Morning in America” depicted a nation filled with optimism and economic recovery.

Reagan won reelection in 1984 with one of the largest margins in U.S. history, winning all states except Minnesota and Washington, D.C.

“To this day, when people learn about him, he embodies much that people wish to believe about American values and the goodness of our nation,” Pach observed.

However, not all Americans felt uplifted during Reagan’s presidency. The AIDS crisis, which worsened throughout his term and devastated LGBTQ communities, was largely ignored by Reagan for a considerable period, Pach pointed out.

His approval among Black Americans was low. He perpetuated the belief that welfare programs were rife with fraud and abuse, emphasizing negative stereotypes like the “welfare queen.” Although Reagan asserted his economic policies would aid everyone, critics argued that his approach primarily benefited the wealthy through what is described as trickle-down economics.

“Many individuals living in poverty or struggling to get by felt that Reagan did not grasp the severity of their circumstances,” Pach added.

A Legacy that Endures

Polls suggest that Americans perceive Reagan as one of the most effective presidents. A recent Gallup survey indicated that he ranks just after John F. Kennedy among a selection of ten U.S. presidents in historical significance. Notably, he is the only Republican president whom Democrats do not view negatively in the poll.

Politicians of all affiliations frequently invoke Reagan when promoting their own philosophies today.

“For nearly the next 20 or 30 years, almost all successful Republican politicians would likely declare, ‘I’m a Reagan Republican,’” Inboden remarked. “Even many Democrats acknowledge his contributions.”

Former Democratic President Barack Obama commented nearly two decades ago that Reagan “captured the feelings of the public, articulating a desire for clarity, optimism, and a revival of the entrepreneurial spirit that had diminished.”

Nonetheless, historians note that like any other president, Reagan’s record has its imperfections. Significant segments of the population remember his presidency with disdain, believing he was unaware or even antagonistic towards their struggles, particularly concerning the AIDS crisis and his stance on government assistance programs.

The Evolution of Modern Conservatism

How Reagan is viewed today can depend greatly on personal recollections of the period before and during his presidency, as Inboden mentioned. He was a more contentious figure during his presidency due to aggressive tax reductions and heightened military expenditure that unsettled many.

Over the years, perceptions of his presidency have evolved positively, Inboden noted.

Reagan is credited with pioneering the modern conservative movement and steering political dialogue to the right. He introduced the concept of a three-pronged political framework that includes free-market economics, a robust national defense, and social conservatism.

He also inspired Americans with the notion that seemingly insurmountable challenges could be overcome, particularly evident in his involvement in the conclusion of the Cold War, such as a landmark meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva in 1985, six years before the end of that prolonged confrontation.

“In many respects, Reagan was a transformative president,” Inboden concluded. “It’s undeniable that he left a mark.”

Other examples include Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, along with Obama, who similarly shaped Democratic ideals, he added.

“Donald Trump has also emerged as a transformative president in today’s context,” he noted, indicating a current divide within conservatism between Trump’s more extreme MAGA faction and traditional Republican values. For instance, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney even endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.

While many of Reagan’s core conservative messages persist, Pach pointed out that there are notable differences in the tone and language of today’s politics.

“Our current political environment can sometimes obscure the notion of achieving what’s possible,” Inboden remarked. “It’s vital for all Americans, regardless of political beliefs, to remember the great potential our country has.”

About Nancy Reagan

In 1949, Reagan met Nancy Reagan, who was then known as Nancy Davis, when both were actors. Nancy was facing difficulties due to another actress with the same name being linked to communist activities. She approached Ronald Reagan, who was president of the Screen Actors Guild at that time, to address this issue.

Their romance blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1952. The couple featured together in one film.

Nancy Reagan famously declared, “My life didn’t truly start until I met Ronnie.”

They had two children together, Patti Davis and Ronald Prescott Reagan, in addition to Reagan’s two children from his first marriage, Maureen Reagan and Michael Reagan.

While Ronald Reagan served as governor, Nancy was active in advocating for wounded Vietnam veterans, prisoners of war, and service members who were missing. As First Lady, she is known for her “just say no” anti-drug campaign and her unwavering support for her husband. However, her lavish tastes in White House décor and fashion initially drew criticism.

Nancy was a staunch supporter of her husband’s image. In her later years, she became an advocate for Alzheimer’s research, a battle her husband fought for a decade.

Nancy Reagan passed away in 2016 at the age of 94 and is buried at her husband’s presidential library in Simi Valley, California.

Contributing: David Jackson, Maria Puente and Andrea Stone