American Experience

The Presidents: Reagan (Part 1)

In 1988, after two terms in office, Ronald Reagan left the White House one of the most popular presidents of the twentieth century -- and one of the most controversial. A failed actor, Reagan became a passionate ideologue who preached a simple gospel of lower taxes, less government, and anti-communism.

The Presidents: Reagan (Part 1)

1h 50m

In 1988, after two terms in office, Ronald Reagan left the White House one of the most popular presidents of the twentieth century -- and one of the most controversial. A failed actor, Reagan became a passionate ideologue who preached a simple gospel of lower taxes, less government, and anti-communism.

Previews + Extras

  • Reagan Announces SDI: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Reagan Announces SDI

    S10 E6 - 2m 30s

    In a televised address to the nation, delivered on March 23, 1983, President Reagan announced his vision of a world safe from nuclear threat. His Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), later dubbed "Star Wars" by the press, is an idea that remains controversial to this day.

  • Reagan Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Reagan Preview

    S10 E6 - 30s

    In 1988, after two terms in office, Ronald Reagan left the White House one of the most popular presidents of the twentieth century -- and one of the most controversial. One by one, his opponents underestimated him; one by one, Reagan surprised them, rising to become a president who always preferred to see America as a "shining city on a hill."

  • Chapter 1 | Reagan, Part 1: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chapter 1 | Reagan, Part 1

    S10 E6 - 10m 38s

    A passionate ideologue who preached a simple gospel of lower taxes, less government, and anti-communism.

  • The Presidents 2016: Reagan: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Presidents 2016: Reagan

    S10 E6 - 30s

    In 1988, after two terms in office, Ronald Reagan left the White House one of the most popular presidents of the 20th century -- and one of the most controversial.

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