American Experience

Read Ronald Reagan in his own words, and access documents important to his era, in this collection of speeches and letters.

Contents:  Speeches  |  Letters

Speeches

• A Time for Choosing
  Reagan supports Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential campaign.
• To Restore America
  Reagan's challenge to President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976.
• Commencement Address at Eureka College, 1957
  Reagan speaks about freedom and democracy at his alma mater.
• California and the Problem of Government Growth, 1967
  As governor of California, Reagan promises to "put our fiscal house in order."
• Acceptance of the Republican Nomination for President, 1980
  Reagan places his trust in the American people as he accepts the Republican nomination in 1980.
• First Inaugural,1981
  "We are a nation that has a government," says the new president, "not the other way around..."
• The Economic Recovery Program, 1981
  Reagan proposes his tax cut to Congress.
• The Evil Empire, 1982
  The president contrasts American freedom with Soviet communism in this speech.
• State of the Union, 1983
  Reagan discusses the federal budget deficit.
• National Security, 1983
  Reagan argues against defense budget cuts.
• Second Inaugural, 1985
  Reagan advances his agenda for strengthening domestic and foreign policy.
• The Challenger Disaster, 1986
  Reagan offers comfort to a grieving nation.
• The Campaign Against Drug Abuse, 1986
  "Just Say No to Drugs" is the slogan for a national campaign against drug abuse.
• Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy, 1987
  Reagan explains his role in the "Arms for Hostages" crisis.
• The Brotherhood of Man, 1990
  In one of his last public speeches, Reagan exults in America winning the Cold War.
• Teacher in Space
  Vice President George Bush announce Christa McAuliffe as the winner of the Teacher in Space project.

Letters

• Letter about Alzheimer's Diagnosis
  A letter from Ronald Reagan to the American people announcing that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.