Biography of Ronald Reagan - 2004-06-10

Ronald Reagan, who came from a poor family, became one of the most popular presidents in American history during his long life. Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in the city of Tampico, Illinois, in the Midwest of America. His father, Jack, was an alcoholic who often moved his family to different areas in search of better-paying jobs. When young Reagan was not yet 9 years old, his family finally settled in Dixon, Illinois, and Mr. Reagan always considered this city his hometown. After graduating from Eureka College in 1932, Mr. Reagan began his first job as a radio announcer and then joined Hollywood as a film actor, appearing in over 50 films. Mr. Reagan then showed an inclination towards politics. He had a strong hatred for communism from the very beginning. With the support of conservative Republicans, he entered the gubernatorial race for California in 1966 and succeeded, being re-elected as governor in 1970. Ten years later, Ronald Reagan entered the White House as the oldest president in American history. During his eight years in the White House, he implemented fundamental changes in domestic policies and the political map of Europe. Outside of America, Mr. Reagan is remembered for his hard stance against communism. Many also consider him a significant factor in the acceleration of the collapse of communism. President Reagan left the White House in 1989 while enjoying great fame and popularity. He spent his last years battling Alzheimer's disease. In 1994, following an open farewell letter in which he revealed he had Alzheimer's, Mr. Reagan returned to a completely private life away from the public eye. Mr. Reagan's battle with the disease ended last Saturday when he passed away at the age of 93. He is set to be buried on Friday evening at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California.