Ronald Reagan his Speech at the Berlin Wall

Born on February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan served the American people from 1981-1989 as the 40th President of the United States. Reagan was raised in a low-income family in the state of California and soon rose to stardom in Hollywood. He appeared in over fifty films before running for governor of California, which he ultimately won in 1964. After serving two terms as governor, he ran for the Republican nomination for President and secured the nomination for the 1980 election. Reagan won the election with a sweeping majority of four hundred eighty-nine votes to Democratic incumbent Jimmy Carter's forty-nine votes.

He served two terms as President and, after stepping down, created the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Reagan died in 2004 due to Alzheimer's disease. Reagan left a lasting impact on our Nation through his conservative policies.

As Economic Chief of our Nation, President Reagan earned a grade of B. Reaganomics was the series of economic policies that ended up forging his legacy as President. One of the most defining qualities of Reaganomics was the sweeping tax cuts across all brackets. A twenty-three percent tax cut over three years put more money into the pockets of Americans and boosted the economy greatly. However, many of the tax cuts resulted in not enough money for the government to spend without creating a sizeable deficit. As a result, ten different tax raises went into effect that ended up reducing the income levels Reagan had worked so tirelessly to raise.

Another facet of Reaganomics was cutting wasteful spending in areas that were considered to be a drain on government resources. However, all the money that would have been saved by cutting programs that wasted money was poured directly into the military. Over time, American defense spending rose from $214 billion to $258 billion, all in an effort to compete with the Soviets in the arms race. This ultimately led to an increase in the national debt, but the average, everyday American was considered to be better off. Inflation rates dropped, which gave families more disposable income. With that disposable income, American families had more money to contribute to the economy, resulting in the growth of the GDP. Overall, the economic policies implemented by Reagan created positive short-term effects for everyday citizens, but they did result in an increase in the national debt and ultimately required tax increases in order to remain functional.

As party leader, Ronald Reagan earns an A. Reagan represented a unifying front for the Republican party and ushered in the modern definition of conservatism. That definition shapes the beliefs that still govern conservatives today. When Reagan won reelection in 1984, he solidified his place as a symbol for Republicans across the Nation. One of the most profound examples of his effect on conservative Americans is the unification of the Republican party. Reagan's rhetoric brought a wide variety of people together, from religious conservatives to everyday workers. After the tragedy of Watergate and the political unsureness present in our Nation, Reagan represented a beacon for Republicans and conservatives alike to rally around.

Even today, organizations such as the Young Republicans and Young America Foundation carry the ideals of Reagan and his conservative message. That conservative message resonated with the American people. During the 1984 reelection, the Republican party maintained control of the House and Senate, and Reagan won the electoral votes of forty-nine out of fifty states. Reagan spoke eloquently and youthfully, and that message spoke to the large majority of citizens in America. He maintained an approval rating of ninety-three percent among Republicans, which indicates his overwhelming popularity and success within his own party. Overall, Reagan had one of the highest success levels in bringing about party unification that has lasted well into the modern day.

As a legislative leader, Reagan earns a grade of B. Two of his most influential pieces of legislation were the Immigration Reform and Control Act and the Gramm-Rudman Reduction Bill. All three of these bills supported by Reagan created a large national impact and influenced our Nation in both positive and negative ways. The Immigration Reform and Control Act was designed to deter illegal immigration and help immigrants apply for legal status.

Working with the Democrats in Congress, Reagan granted amnesty to immigrants who had been living in the United States illegally since 1982 and, at the same time, created sanctions for businesses that knowingly hired workers that came to America illegally. His efforts to create bipartisan legislation indicate that Reagan had the ability to transcend party lines and create legislation that was beneficial for America regardless of party differences.

The Gramm-Rudman Reduction Act was a crucial piece of economic legislation that sought to balance the United States budget by the year 1993. This legislation was passed as a result of Reagan's economic policies. The tax cuts passed did not generate sufficient revenue, and the cuts made to various government programs were not deep enough to properly offset the tax cuts. As a result, with bipartisan support, the Gramm-Rudman Reduction Act went into effect and ultimately resulted in the federal budget running a surplus by the year 1998. The downside, however, about this legislation is that it was passed to correct the shortcomings of Reagan's economic policies.

The pieces of legislation passed by Reagan were greatly beneficial in some aspects but fell short in others, primarily in the increase of our national deficit (which was eventually corrected). Reagan was constantly adjusting to the political and economic climate in order to get things done, and his veto record indicates his close relationship with his Republican Congress. Over Reagan's eight years in office, only seventy-eight bills were vetoed. Out of that seventy-eight, eight were overturned.

Since Reagan had Republican control in both the House and the Senate, getting legislation he wanted passing easy, and he maintained a strong tie to Congress with bipartisan support. As Chief Diplomat of our Nation, Reagan receives a grade of B. Although he effortlessly handled the events of the Cold War and tackled the fight against Communism, Reagan made a controversial diplomatic decision overseas. Reagan's eloquence and strong ability to captivate an audience become prevalent in his iconic speech at the Berlin Wall.

In it, Reagan demands that Communist leader Gorbachev tear down the wall separating East and West Germany. One of Reagan's central foreign policies was the containment and elimination of Communism. His speech at the Berlin Wall was a clear indication of his policy goals. Although the speech might not have received much media coverage, its effect was profound. Within two years, the Berlin Wall fell. Reagan's strong stance on humanitarian issues and powerful rhetoric meant that his diplomatic efforts in Germany paid off. Democracy was restored thanks to his powerful words.

Continuing on the theme of battling Communism through peaceful tactics, Reagan negotiated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the USSR, which required both the United States and the Soviet Union to cut down the number of nuclear missiles in both of their possessions. As well, the Soviet Union greatly scaled back its military and withdrew troops that were occupying newly Communist areas. The diplomatic relations forming as a result of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty helped to bring an end to the Cold War and eliminate the nuclear threat that could have easily led to World War III. Reagan's negotiation tactics and strong desire for "peace through strength" gave him strong diplomatic skills in tackling Communism.

However, a controversial scandal broke out through the Iran-Contra Affair, a secret arms deal that saw the United States trading weapons to terrorists in Lebanon in exchange for freeing American soldiers that had been held, hostage. Although American lives were saved, the resulting political scandal tarnished the reputation of a beloved president. During his campaign, Reagan swore up and down that he would not negotiate with terrorists and proceeded to double back on a campaign promise when the arms deal was completed. As a result of the Iran-Contra Affair, fourteen people, including Reagan's national security advisor, were charged with a variety of offenses. Reagan himself was never charged.

Reagan was skilled in diplomatic relations in many aspects, and although the Iran-Contra Affair resulted in the saving of American lives, it was still a deal made with terrorists, a broken campaign promise. Acting as Chief of State, President Reagan earned an A. Reagan was an exceptional symbol for our Nation. He represented the average American, and he spoke directly to the average American. Reagan utilized the media to his advantage to do so. He used his background as an actor to his advantage: he was an eloquent speaker who knew how to present himself as a charismatic leader. Speeches such as after the explosion of the Challenger and the fortieth anniversary of D-Day rallied the American people together under common feelings and goals.

Reagan knew how to speak to anyone, regardless of party or ideology. He gained his respect as a famous actor and maintained it as President. His ability to connect to those he spoke to made him a strong symbol of our Nation and an overall respectable man. Reagan's good-natured rhetoric and strong showmanship helped him to appeal to the American people in other ways too. In 1981, John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate Reagan while he was outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Reagan's lung was punctured in the attack, but they ultimately survived. Throughout the ordeal, he kept his good humor, even joking, "Missed me," at a speech after the attempt when a balloon popped, sounding identical to a gunshot. Reagan did not present himself as a typical politician.

He allowed himself to crack jokes and show himself as a man, not just as a leader. In dealing with the assassination attempt, he represented the resiliency of the American spirit and brought the Nation together in support of his recovery. Not only was Reagan garnering support through his speeches and charisma, but he also helped make an important stride for women in America. Reagan appointed the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor. O'Connor represented a monumental moment in the inclusivity of our Nation, primarily in the political field. He represented a new, forward-thinking generation in America, and O'Connor served many years as a loyal Supreme Court Justice. Reagan artfully created himself to be the perfect symbol of America, primarily conservative America. However, political leanings aside, Reagan was a powerful head of state and represented America and American values in a sophisticated way.

As commander in chief, President Reagan earns the grade of A. The main focus of Reagan's foreign policy and the military message was the idea of "peace through strength." Combining this idea with his traditionalist conservative ideals, Reagan poured the vast majority of the country's budget into military spending, resulting in the United States amassing an army so large that no one would dare challenge it. Reagan used the strategy of increased defense spending in the fight against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His ultimate goal was not to fire shots, but to bankrupt the Nation, which he succeeded.

The only time the peace through strength doctrine was not applied was when Reagan sent troops to invade Grenada in 1983, a Communist nation with ties to Cuba. The invasion was ultimately successful and resulted in the lives of thousands of Americans being saved and the Communist government overthrown and removed. President Reagan may not have been involved with much physical conflict as commander-in-chief, but the army he commanded was large and prepared to defend our Nation at a moment's notice. He served as commander in chief not by leading us into war or sending troops across the globe but by maintaining a silent yet strong presence reminiscent of Theodore Roosevelt's national defense strategy.

President Reagan has ultimately been remembered for his strong economic policy and the positive effect it had on our Nation. His economic policy brought us a long period of economic growth, and the policies he enacted paved the way for a rare federal budget surplus in the 1990s. Reagan consistently put America first. He will be remembered for his charm and eloquence as a speaker and his passion and dedication as a leader. He strengthened the Republican Party and helped to write the definition of conservatism that is still in use today. He saved our country from nuclear war through diplomatic negotiations and limited the spread of Communism through his "peace through strength" doctrine. Overall, Reagan left a positive impact on our Nation, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents of all time.

Works Cited

1. "1985 Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act." ?Westward Expansion: Chinese in California?,bancroft.berkeley.edu/ROHO/projects/debt/1985grammrudmanhollings.html.
2. "1985 Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act." ?Westward Expansion: Chinese in California?, bancroft.berkeley.edu/ROHO/projects/debt/1985grammrudmanhollings.html.
3. "5 Reasons Why Ronald Reagan Was a Great Commander-in-Chief." ?We Are The Mighty?. We Are The Mighty, April 2, 2018, www.wearethemighty.com/articles/5-reasons-why-ronald-reagan-was-a-great-comma nder-in-chief.
4. Act.', 'Gramm-Rudman-Hollings. “Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act.” ?The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed?, Encyclopedia.com, 2019, www.encyclopedia.com/history/united-states-and-canada/us-history/gramm-rudman- Hollings-act.
5. "The Comprehensive Crime Control Act - Criminal Justice - IresearchNet." ?Criminal Justice?, 20 Apr. 2015, criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com/crime/school-violence/the-comprehensive-crime-control-act/.
6. Editors, History.com. "Iran-Contra Affair." ?History.com?, A&E Television Networks, August 10, 2017, www.history.com/topics/1980s/iran-contra-affair#section_6.
7. Leaird, Sarah. "Ronald Reagan Presidential Roles." ?Prezi.com?, 2 Apr. 2014, prezi.com/mvttwvfmcm_n/ronald-reagan-presidential-roles/.
8. Lewis, Nicole. "Did Ronald Reagan's 1981 Tax Cut Supercharge the Economy?" ?The Washington Post?, WP Company, November 8, 2017,
   www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/11/08/did-ronald-reagans-198 1-tax-cut-supercharge-the-economy/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.26cdc5a4c7f5.
9. Lombardo, Crystal. "Crystal Lombardo." ?Vittana.org?, vittana.org/14-far-reaching-reaganomics-pros-and-cons.
   Murse, Tom, and Nieman Foundation. "Which President Was the Most Popular at the End of Their Term?" ?Thoughtco.?, Dotdash, www.thoughtco.com/presidential-approval-ratings-4074188.
10. "President Reagan's Domestic Policy: A Perfect Union." ?Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger | The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute?, www.reaganfoundation.org/ronald-reagan/the-presidency/domestic-policy/.
11. "Reagan's 'Tear down This Wall' Analyzed." ?National Constitution Center –Constitutioncenter.org?, National Constitution Center, constitutioncenter.org/blog/reagans-tear-down-this-wall-analyzed/.
12. Ronald Reagan and Executive Power | Presidential Leadership in the Cold War?, reagan.civiced.org/lessons/president-reagan-commander-chief. Til, L. John Van. "Ronald Reagan and the Changing Face of Conservatism." ?The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College?, November 4, 2010, www.visionandvalues.org/2004/07/ronald-reagan-and-the-changing-face-of-conservatism/.
13. Wilson, Phil. "Reagan Ranch Has Transformed into a Spawning Ground for Young Conservatives." ?Los Angeles Times?, Los Angeles Times, January 18, 2018, www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-reagan-ranch-young-conservatives-20170117-ht mlstory.html.

Did you like this example?

271

14