Ronald Reagan served as the 40th U.S. President from 1981 to 1989. He was a former actor and Governor of California for the Republican party. As President, Reagan pursued policies aimed at stimulating economic growth, curbing inflation, and strengthening national defense through tax cuts. In 1984, he won re-election in a landslide, carrying every state except Minnesota. His presidency saw the end of the Cold War and events like the Iran-Contra affair. Reagan left office in 1989 as one of the most popular presidents in history.