Ronald Reagan began his career in government when he was sworn in as the 33rd governor of California.

U.S. president Ronald Reagan lifted price controls from petroleum products, contributing to the 1980s oil glut.

U.S. president Ronald Reagan made a nationally televised address in which he accepted full responsibility for illegal actions in the Iran–Contra affair.

Cold War: In a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida, U.S. president Ronald Reagan described the Soviet Union as an "evil empire".

Cold War: During a speech at the Brandenburg Gate by the Berlin Wall, US president Ronald Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!" (speech featured).

U.S. president Ronald Reagan fired the 11,345 striking members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization en masse.

Actor Ronald Reagan delivered a speech on behalf of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, launching his own political career, which culminated in him serving two full terms as U.S. president.

The first of five summits (pictured) between Soviet general secretary Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. president Ronald Reagan began in Geneva.