Reagan’s address was notable for its optimistic tone, focusing on the accomplishments of his administration, including the economic recovery during the 1980s, rebuilding the military, and his efforts to end the Cold War through diplomacy with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He also urged Americans to maintain a sense of pride in their country and warned of the need to nurture the “fragile spirit of democracy.”
Fun Fact: Reagan famously described the United States as a “shining city upon a hill” in his farewell address, a phrase that became synonymous with his vision of American exceptionalism.
What do you think was Reagan’s most significant achievement during his presidency? How do you think his legacy has influenced modern politics?