35), a person that fought for the people and talked in ways that encouraged people to have a positive outlook, even when all was or was not well with the internal financial workings of the government (Cannon, 2001; Sharpe & Pemberton, 1998)).
Cannon (2001) is among many noting the presidency led by Reagan cast a "long shadow" on the American people. His achievements were accomplished through hard work and dedication (Sharpe & Pemberton, 1998). He managed to create a "symbiotic relationship" with Russian leader Gorbachev and achieved the creation of the INF treaty, which marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War and the Soviet people and Union as a country (Cannon, 2001, p. 2). While this may seem well it had grave economic consequences for the U.S., but also good ones, including a reduction in military spending thanks to peacetime, with only 3% of the budget allocated to military spending during the early presidential years. His followers used the context of "staying the course" to help transform the huge accumulated budget deficits left by Reagan so a "string of surpluses" arose from them (Cannon, 2001, p. 2). Politically, Reagan ran the House on a platform known as the "contract with America" developed by Newt Gingrich, where the idea that there was no limit on what could be done was created (Cannon, 2001, p. 2).
Ronald Reagan's charismatic leadership left a positive outcome on most of his disciples. Many feel that Reagan became an idol of sorts particularly among the Republican people, someone who people exalted (Sharpe & Pemberton, 1998). He was a champion, a very popular president that came into power with even Democratic legislators and members of Congress supporting crucial political decisions made by Reagan, as evidenced by the landslide victory he won in the 1984 presidential election where many independents and democrats voted for Reagan, suggesting the democrats had little power at least in the short-term to regain the House or equal representation in government for the time-being (Cannon, 2001; Sharpe & Pemberton, 1998). His followers had a few obstacles to overcome, including handling the budget...
Bush was inspired to follow in Reagan's footsteps, focusing on cutting taxes to emulate the victories many perceived Reagan as achieving (Sharp & Pemberton, 1998). Ronald Reagan left a legacy as someone who made equal opportunity, someone who held strong family values, and someone who could successfully rebuild the nation's economy, power and pride with time (Sharpe & Pemberton, 1998; Henry & Ritter, 1992).
Personal Review and Conclusions
On leaving office, Reagan left the American people with "pleasant reminiscences about their spectacular President" although most would agree the time for change had come, despite their admiration (Sharpe & Pemberton, 1998, p. 198). As Young (2004) so eloquently puts, Ronald Reagan put to rest the "self-doubts" many Americans held during the 1970s, achieving much political accomplishment during his career and helping to heal the "wounded pride" of American that accumulated during the Carter and Nixon administrations (p. 50). His popular "Reaganomics" would be one of his personal goals and achievements, to strengthen the economy by promoting investment, allowing prosperity to "trickle-down" as the president stated, even though this left the U.S. eventually on the "brink of a steep recession" (Young, 2004, p. 50). Some problems surfacing during his presidency included cuts in welfare spending, homelessness, and the increasing use of drugs throughout the U.S. (Young, 2004, p. 50). Still, from his own mouth, Reagan states, "I'm deeply honored to address the American people" (Reagan, 1985, p. 305).
This final statement by the president sums up his term in office. Reagan, despite his deficits, was a charismatic and memorable leader one the American people would credit as victorious for years following his presidency.
Works Cited
Cannon, L. (2001). Ronald Reagan: The presidential portfolio a history illuminated from the collection of the Ronald Reagan library and museum. New York: Public Affairs.
Henry, D., & Ritter, K. (1992). Ronald Reagan: The great communicator. New York:
Greenwood Press.
Reagan, R. (1985). Address by President Ronald Reagan. World Affairs, 147(4): 305.
Sharpe, E., & Pemberton, W.E. (1998). Exit with honor: The life and presidency of Ronald Reagan. Armonk: M.E. Sharpe.
Young, S. (2004). Ronald Reagan 1911-2004: Stephen Young puts the…
Ronald Reagan From the days of Abraham Lincoln, it is an instilled American belief that anyone, from any social status in life, can rise to the highest office of the country, that of President of the United States. Given this belief, then is it possible for a college football player turned actor to rise to governor of California, and then move on to the highest office? Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on
Ronald Reagan: "Tear Down This Wall" For many months, East Germany's beleaguered rulership tried desperately to quiet an increasingly oppositional movement and stem the tide of the people that were leaving the country (Ratnesar web). There were, by 1989, literal and metaphorical cracks in the communist bloc and the Berlin Wall; however, many thought that the wall would still remain. However, then president Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying, "I didn't
Congress had passed the Twenty-fifth Amendment in 1965 saying that the President could hand over his authority for the interim or the Vice President and cabinet could pronounce him unfit. But it left unclear the definition of what constituted a disability (the Ronald Reagan Assassination Attempt, 2008). The Twenty-fifth Amendment was never put into practice after the Reagan assassination attempt, despite the President's incapability. Aides were concerned that handing over
He brought to bear all of these leadership qualities in the service of his nation as the President and not only lifted the country out of economic depression and a serious crisis of confidence but also won the Cold War against the Soviets without firing a single shot. References Commentary: Ronald Reagan's Rhetoric." (n.d.). CNN.com. Retrieved on March 7, 2007 at http://www.ibiblio.org/sullivan/CNN/RWR/album/speechmats/Commentary.html Edwards, L. (2004). "No Accidental Leader." National Review Online, June
Ronald Reagan and Franklin Roosevelt Both Ronald Reagan and Franklin Roosevelt were influential presidents in American history. Although they oftentimes had different views on politics, the function of government in general, and economics they did share similarities. Franklin Roosevelt was the third second president of our country and served from 1933 to 1945. He assumed the presidency at the pinnacle of the Great Depression. Ronald Reagan, the "Prime Time President," was
Ronald Reagan with his positive and authentic leadership led America to victory in what was known as "The Cold War." Emulation of this type of leader means that one possesses the ability to see the issues across-the-board and with a strong focus on positive attributes or the organization or administration and in the case of Ronald Reagan, upon the strength of the American people one has the characteristics necessary
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now