Snapshots of the Reagan Presidency
Snapshots of the Reagan Presidency:
A 250 Photo Essay of the Executive Branch in the 1980s
Through courage, the support of our allies, and by the gracious hand of God, a revolution was won, a people were set free, and the world witnessed the most exciting adventure in the history of nations: the beginning of the United States of America.
President Ronald Reagan
Remarks at the Bicentennial Observance of the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia
October 19, 1981
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. It was engrossed on parchment, and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it.
Eleven years later, on September 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Article II established the Executive Branch and placed its authority in the President of the United States. It outlines term limits, election process, eligibility requirements, specific powers, and removal.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, repeated the Oath of Office and became the first President of the United States of America. He then entered the Senate Chamber and delivered his Inaugural Address.
In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so, on another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world.
PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON
Inaugural Address
April 30, 1789
On January 20, 1981, Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the 40th president of the United States of America. For the next eight years, he advanced domestic policies that featured a lessening of federal government responsibility in solving social problems, reducing restrictions on business, and implementing tax cuts. Internationally, he opposed the spread of Communism throughout the world and a strong distrust of the Soviet Union. He championed a rearmed and strong military and was supportive of the MX missile system and the Strategic Defense Initiative program.
Click the galleries to experience President Reagan’s administration through 250 photographs.
1981
To a few of us here today this is a solemn and most momentous occasion, and yet in the history of our nation it is a commonplace occurrence. The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place, as it has for almost two centuries, and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. In the eyes of many in the world, this every-4-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.
President Ronald Reagan
Inaugural Address
January 20, 1981
1982
Today marks my first State of the Union address to you, a constitutional duty as old as our Republic itself. President Washington began this tradition in 1790 after reminding the Nation that the destiny of self-government and the ‘preservation of the sacred fire of liberty is finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.’ For our friends in the press, who place a high premium on accuracy, let me say: I did not actually hear George Washington say that. [Laughter] But it is a matter of historic record. [Laughter]
President Ronald Reagan
Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress Reporting on the State of the Union
January 26, 1982
1983
I would like to talk with you this evening about what we can do together -- not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans -- to make tomorrow's America happy and prosperous at home, strong and respected abroad, and at peace in the world. As we gather here tonight, the state of our Union is strong, but our economy is troubled. For too many of our fellow citizens -- farmers, steel and auto workers, lumbermen, black teenagers, working mothers -- this is a painful period. We must all do everything in our power to bring their ordeal to an end. It has fallen to us, in our time, to undo damage that was a long time in the making, and to begin the hard but necessary task of building a better future for ourselves and our children. We have a long way to go, but thanks to the courage, patience, and strength of our people, America is on the mend.
President Ronald Reagan
Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union
January 25, 1983
1984
Once again, in keeping with time-honored tradition, I have come to report to you on the state of the Union, and I'm pleased to report that America is much improved, and there's good reason to believe that improvement will continue through the days to come.
President Ronald Reagan
You and I have had some honest and open differences in the year past. But they didn't keep us from joining hands in bipartisan cooperation to stop a long decline that had drained this nation's spirit and eroded its health. There is renewed energy and optimism throughout the land. America is back, standing tall, looking to the eighties with courage, confidence, and hope.
Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union - 1984
January 25, 1984
1985
This is, as Senator Mathias told us, the 50th time that we, the people, have celebrated this historic occasion. When the first President, George Washington, placed his hand upon the Bible, he stood less than a single day's journey by horseback from raw, untamed wilderness. There were 4 million Americans in a union of 13 States. Today, we are 60 times as many in a union of 50 States. We've lighted the world with our inventions, gone to the aid of mankind wherever in the world there was a cry for help, journeyed to the Moon and safely returned. So much has changed, and yet we stand together as we did two centuries ago.
President Ronald Reagan
Inaugural Address 1985
January 21, 1985
1986
Thank you for allowing me to delay my address until this evening. We paused together to mourn and honor the valor of our seven Challenger heroes. And I hope that we are now ready to do what they would want us to do: Go forward, America, and reach for the stars. We will never forget those brave seven, but we shall go forward.
President Ronald Reagan
Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union – 1986
February 4, 1986
1987
May I congratulate all of you who are Members of this historic 100th Congress of the United States of America. In this 200th anniversary year of our Constitution, you and I stand on the shoulders of giants -- men whose words and deeds put wind in the sails of freedom. However, we must always remember that our Constitution is to be celebrated not for being old, but for being young -- young with the same energy, spirit, and promise that filled each eventful day in Philadelphia's statehouse. We will be guided tonight by their acts, and we will be guided forever by their words.
President Ronald Reagan
Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union – 1987
January 27, 1987
1988
When we first met here 7 years ago -- many of us for the first time -- it was with the hope of beginning something new for America. We meet here tonight in this historic Chamber to continue that work. If anyone expects just a proud recitation of the accomplishments of my administration, I say let's leave that to history; we're not finished yet. So, my message to you tonight is put on your workshoes; we're still on the job
President Ronald Reagan
Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union – 1988
January 25, 1988
1989
It's been the honor of my life to be your President. So many of you have written the past few weeks to say thanks, but I could say as much to you. Nancy and I are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to serve.
President Ronald Reagan
Farewell Address to the Nation
January 11, 1989