Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States from 1981 to 1989, serving two terms in office. 1987 was the seventh year of his Presidency. During this year, Reagan implemented several significant policies, including the Iran-Contra Affair, the Reykjavik Summit, and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).
The Iran-Contra Affair, which began in 1985, involved the United States secretly selling arms to Iran, in violation of an arms embargo, and then using the proceeds to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The Affair led to a major political scandal, with Congressional hearings, the resignation of several key Reagan administration officials, and the indictment of Reagan's National Security Advisor, Oliver North.
Despite the Iran-Contra Affair, Reagan remained a popular President, and he continued to implement his conservative agenda. In 1987, he met with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik, Iceland, to discuss nuclear disarmament. The summit failed to produce any concrete agreements, but it did help to pave the way for the eventual signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Who was president in 1987?
Here are 9 important points about the President of the United States in 1987:
- Ronald Reagan, 40th President
- Second term in office
- Conservative agenda
- Iran-Contra Affair
- Reykjavik Summit
- INF Treaty
- Economic prosperity
- End of Cold War
- Popular President
Ronald Reagan was a popular and influential President who oversaw a period of economic prosperity and helped to end the Cold War.
Ronald Reagan, 40th President
Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989. He was a popular and influential leader who oversaw a period of economic prosperity and helped to end the Cold War.
- Conservative agenda
Reagan was a conservative Republican who implemented a number of policies designed to reduce the size of government and promote economic growth. These policies included tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in government spending.
- Iran-Contra Affair
In 1985, the Reagan administration became embroiled in a major scandal known as the Iran-Contra Affair. The scandal involved the secret sale of arms to Iran, in violation of an arms embargo, and the use of the proceeds to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The affair led to the resignation of several key Reagan administration officials and tarnished Reagan's reputation.
- Reykjavik Summit
In 1986, Reagan met with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik, Iceland, to discuss nuclear disarmament. The summit failed to produce any concrete agreements, but it did help to pave the way for the eventual signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) in 1987.
- INF Treaty
The INF Treaty was a landmark agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union that eliminated all intermediate-range nuclear missiles from Europe. The treaty was a major step forward in reducing the risk of nuclear war.
Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings. He is remembered as a strong leader who helped to restore American confidence and prosperity.
Second term in office
Ronald Reagan was elected to a second term in office in 1984, defeating Democratic challenger Walter Mondale in a landslide victory. Reagan's second term was marked by both successes and challenges.
One of Reagan's major accomplishments in his second term was the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. This legislation simplified the tax code and reduced tax rates for individuals and businesses. The Tax Reform Act is credited with helping to spur economic growth in the late 1980s.
Reagan also continued to focus on foreign policy in his second term. In 1987, he met with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik, Iceland, to discuss nuclear disarmament. The summit failed to produce any concrete agreements, but it did help to pave the way for the eventual signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) in 1987. The INF Treaty eliminated all intermediate-range nuclear missiles from Europe.
Despite these successes, Reagan's second term was also marked by challenges. In 1987, the Iran-Contra Affair became public, and Reagan's approval ratings dropped significantly. The scandal involved the secret sale of arms to Iran, in violation of an arms embargo, and the use of the proceeds to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The affair led to the resignation of several key Reagan administration officials.
Despite the challenges, Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings. He is remembered as a strong leader who helped to restore American confidence and prosperity.
Conservative agenda
Ronald Reagan was a conservative Republican who implemented a number of policies designed to reduce the size of government and promote economic growth. These policies included tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in government spending.
Reagan's tax cuts were a major part of his economic agenda. He believed that lower taxes would stimulate economic growth by encouraging investment and job creation. Reagan signed the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, which reduced tax rates for individuals and businesses. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 further simplified the tax code and reduced tax rates.
Reagan also pursued deregulation as a way to boost the economy. He believed that excessive government regulation stifled economic growth. Reagan signed a number of executive orders and worked with Congress to reduce regulations in a variety of industries, including transportation, energy, and finance.
Finally, Reagan sought to reduce government spending as a way to balance the budget and reduce the national debt. He cut funding for a number of social programs and froze the salaries of federal employees. Reagan also worked with Congress to pass the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, which mandated automatic spending cuts if the budget deficit exceeded certain targets.
Reagan's conservative agenda was controversial, but it did help to stimulate economic growth in the 1980s. The economy grew at an average annual rate of 3.5% during Reagan's presidency, and the unemployment rate fell from 10.8% in 1981 to 5.4% in 1988.
Iran-Contra Affair
The Iran-Contra Affair was a major political scandal that occurred during the second term of Ronald Reagan's presidency. The scandal involved the secret sale of arms to Iran, in violation of an arms embargo, and the use of the proceeds to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua.
The affair began in 1985, when Reagan administration officials secretly approved the sale of arms to Iran. The arms sales were intended to improve relations with Iran and to secure the release of American hostages held in Lebanon. However, the sales were illegal, as the United States had imposed an arms embargo on Iran.
In addition to the arms sales, the Reagan administration also secretly diverted some of the proceeds from the sales to the Contras. The Contras were a rebel group fighting the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The United States government was prohibited from providing military aid to the Contras, but the Reagan administration believed that the Contras were fighting for freedom and democracy.
The Iran-Contra Affair came to light in 1986, when a Lebanese newspaper published a story about the arms sales. The story sparked a major political scandal, and Reagan's approval ratings plummeted. Congressional hearings were held to investigate the affair, and several Reagan administration officials were indicted and convicted of crimes.
The Iran-Contra Affair was a major embarrassment for the Reagan administration and damaged Reagan's reputation. However, Reagan was able to weather the scandal and remained popular with the American people.
Reykjavik Summit
The Reykjavik Summit was a meeting between United States President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev that took place in Reykjavík, Iceland, on October 11-12, 1986. The summit was intended to discuss nuclear disarmament and other arms control measures.
Reagan and Gorbachev had met previously in Geneva, Switzerland, in November 1985, but the Reykjavik Summit was their first opportunity to have a detailed discussion about nuclear disarmament. Reagan proposed a plan to eliminate all nuclear weapons from the world within ten years. Gorbachev initially rejected the plan, but he eventually agreed to consider it.
The two leaders also discussed the issue of intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF). INF missiles were capable of carrying nuclear warheads and could reach targets in Europe within minutes. Reagan and Gorbachev agreed to eliminate all INF missiles from Europe. This agreement was eventually formalized in the INF Treaty, which was signed in 1987.
Despite the progress made on INF missiles, the Reykjavik Summit ultimately failed to produce a comprehensive agreement on nuclear disarmament. Reagan and Gorbachev were unable to agree on a plan to eliminate all nuclear weapons. However, the summit did help to improve relations between the United States and the Soviet Union and paved the way for future agreements on arms control.
The Reykjavik Summit was a significant event in the history of the Cold War. It was the first time that the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union had ever discussed the possibility of eliminating all nuclear weapons. Although the summit did not produce a comprehensive agreement, it did help to create a new atmosphere of cooperation between the two superpowers.
INF Treaty
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) was a landmark arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union. The treaty was signed by President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on December 8, 1987, in Washington, D.C.
The INF Treaty eliminated all intermediate-range nuclear missiles (INF missiles) from Europe. INF missiles were capable of carrying nuclear warheads and could reach targets in Europe within minutes. The treaty also prohibited the United States and the Soviet Union from possessing, producing, or testing INF missiles anywhere in the world.
The INF Treaty was a major step forward in reducing the risk of nuclear war. It eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons and helped to improve relations between the United States and the Soviet Union. The treaty was also a major achievement for President Reagan, who had made nuclear disarmament a top priority of his administration.
The INF Treaty remained in force for over 30 years. However, in 2019, the United States withdrew from the treaty, citing Russian violations of the agreement. The Russian government denied the allegations of violations.
The withdrawal of the United States from the INF Treaty is a major setback for arms control and nuclear disarmament. It increases the risk of nuclear war and could lead to a new arms race between the United States and Russia.
Economic prosperity
The United States economy experienced a period of prosperity during Ronald Reagan's presidency. The economy grew at an average annual rate of 3.5% during Reagan's eight years in office, and the unemployment rate fell from 10.8% in 1981 to 5.4% in 1988.
Reagan's economic policies, which included tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in government spending, are credited with helping to spur economic growth in the 1980s. The Tax Reform Act of 1986, which simplified the tax code and reduced tax rates, is widely seen as a major factor in the economic expansion of the late 1980s.
The economic prosperity of the 1980s benefited many Americans. Homeownership rates increased, and the stock market reached record highs. However, the economic boom also led to increased income inequality, as the wealthy benefited disproportionately from the tax cuts and deregulation.
The economic prosperity of the 1980s came to an end in 1990, when the United States entered a recession. The recession was caused by a number of factors, including the savings and loan crisis, the Persian Gulf War, and the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates.
Despite the recession, Reagan left office in 1989 with high approval ratings. He is remembered as a strong leader who helped to restore American confidence and prosperity.
End of Cold War
The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies. The Cold War began after the Second World War and lasted for over 40 years. It was a time of intense rivalry between the two superpowers, marked by military buildups, proxy wars, and ideological clashes.
Ronald Reagan played a key role in ending the Cold War. He took a tough stance against the Soviet Union, increasing military spending and challenging Soviet expansionism around the world. Reagan also engaged in a series of diplomatic initiatives with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, including the Reykjavik Summit in 1986 and the INF Treaty in 1987.
In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, and the communist governments of Eastern Europe collapsed. The Soviet Union itself dissolved in 1991. The end of the Cold War was a major victory for the United States and its allies, and it marked the beginning of a new era of global politics.
Reagan's role in ending the Cold War is widely recognized. He is credited with helping to bring about the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union and with promoting democracy and freedom around the world.
Reagan's legacy is complex and controversial, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most consequential presidents in American history. He helped to end the Cold War, restore American confidence, and usher in a period of economic prosperity.
Popular President
Ronald Reagan was a popular president both during and after his time in office. He left office with high approval ratings, and he remains a popular figure among Republicans and conservatives today.
- Strong leadership
Reagan was seen as a strong and decisive leader. He was able to connect with voters on a personal level, and he made them feel confident in his ability to lead the country.
- Economic prosperity
The economy improved significantly during Reagan's presidency. Unemployment fell, and the stock market reached record highs. Reagan's economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, are credited with helping to spur economic growth.
- End of Cold War
Reagan played a key role in ending the Cold War. He took a tough stance against the Soviet Union, and he engaged in a series of diplomatic initiatives with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Reagan's efforts helped to bring about the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union and the spread of democracy around the world.
- Conservative values
Reagan was a conservative Republican who appealed to voters who shared his values. He believed in limited government, individual responsibility, and free markets.
Reagan's popularity was not universal. He was criticized by liberals and progressives for his economic policies, his handling of the AIDS crisis, and his support for the Contras in Nicaragua. However, Reagan remained a popular figure among his supporters, and he is remembered as one of the most consequential presidents in American history.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the president who served in 1987:
Question 1: Who was the president of the United States in 1987?
Answer: Ronald Reagan was the president of the United States from 1981 to 1989, serving two terms in office. 1987 was the seventh year of his presidency.
Question 2: What were some of Ronald Reagan's major accomplishments?
Answer: Reagan's major accomplishments include implementing conservative economic policies, playing a key role in ending the Cold War, and signing the INF Treaty, which eliminated all intermediate-range nuclear missiles from Europe.
Question 3: What was the Iran-Contra Affair?
Answer: The Iran-Contra Affair was a political scandal that occurred during Reagan's second term. It involved the secret sale of arms to Iran, in violation of an arms embargo, and the use of the proceeds to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua.
Question 4: What was the Reykjavik Summit?
Answer: The Reykjavik Summit was a meeting between Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986. The summit was intended to discuss nuclear disarmament and other arms control measures. Although the summit did not produce a comprehensive agreement, it did help to pave the way for the eventual signing of the INF Treaty.
Question 5: What was the INF Treaty?
Answer: The INF Treaty was a landmark arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union. The treaty eliminated all intermediate-range nuclear missiles from Europe.
Question 6: Why was Reagan a popular president?
Answer: Reagan was a popular president because he was seen as a strong leader, he presided over a period of economic prosperity, he played a key role in ending the Cold War, and he appealed to voters who shared his conservative values.
Question 7: Did Reagan implement policies that led to lasting economic growth?
Answer: Yes, Reagan implemented economic policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in government spending, which many credit with stimulating economic growth in the 1980s.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the president who served in 1987. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for learning more about the president who served in 1987:
Tips
Here are a few tips for learning more about the president who served in 1987:
Tip 1: Read books and articles about Ronald Reagan.
There are many books and articles available about Ronald Reagan's life and presidency. These resources can provide you with a wealth of information about his policies, accomplishments, and challenges.
Tip 2: Watch documentaries about Ronald Reagan.
There are also a number of documentaries available about Ronald Reagan. These documentaries can provide you with a more in-depth look at his life and presidency.
Tip 3: Visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is located in Simi Valley, California. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to Reagan's life and presidency. You can also take a tour of the museum and learn more about Reagan's time in office.
Tip 4: Talk to people who lived through Reagan's presidency.
If you know anyone who lived through Reagan's presidency, ask them about their experiences. They may have some interesting stories to share about what it was like to live during that time.
These are just a few tips for learning more about the president who served in 1987. By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of this important period in American history.
In addition to the information provided in the tips section, you can also find a wealth of information about the president who served in 1987 online. There are many websites and articles that provide detailed information about his life, presidency, and policies.
Conclusion
Ronald Reagan was the president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He was a popular president who is remembered for his conservative policies, his role in ending the Cold War, and his strong leadership. Despite some controversies, Reagan left office with high approval ratings and remains a popular figure among Republicans and conservatives today.
Reagan's presidency was a time of significant change for the United States. He implemented conservative economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, which helped to stimulate economic growth. Reagan also played a key role in ending the Cold War. He took a tough stance against the Soviet Union and engaged in a series of diplomatic initiatives with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Reagan's efforts helped to bring about the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union and the spread of democracy around the world.
Reagan was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most consequential presidents in American history. He helped to restore American confidence, end the Cold War, and usher in a period of economic prosperity. Reagan's legacy continues to be debated today, but there is no denying his impact on the United States and the world.
Ronald Reagan's presidency was a time of great change and upheaval. He was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular leader who helped to restore American confidence and prosperity. Reagan's legacy is complex and contested, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most consequential presidents in American history.