Richard Norton Smith’s book, “On His Own Terms,” is a comprehensive biography of one of the most influential and enigmatic presidents in American history, Ronald Reagan. The book delves deep into Reagan’s personal life, political career, and his impact on the world stage. In this book summary, we will explore the key ideas and themes of each chapter of “On His Own Terms.”
The book begins by exploring Reagan’s early life and upbringing in small-town Illinois. Born in 1911, Reagan grew up in a household that valued hard work, frugality, and patriotism. Reagan’s father was a lifelong Democrat who instilled in his son a deep sense of civic duty and a desire to serve his country. Reagan’s mother, on the other hand, was a devout Christian who instilled in her son a strong sense of morality and a commitment to social justice.
Chapter 2: The Life and Times of Ronald Reagan
Chapter 2 delves into Reagan’s early career as an actor and his eventual transition into politics. Reagan’s acting career was successful, but he found himself growing increasingly disillusioned with the liberal politics of Hollywood. Reagan became increasingly involved in conservative politics, eventually becoming a spokesperson for General Electric and delivering speeches on behalf of the Republican Party. It was during this time that Reagan first began to develop his own unique political philosophy, which combined a commitment to individual freedom with a belief in traditional American values.
Chapter 3: The Governorship of Ronald Reagan
Chapter 3 explores Reagan’s time as governor of California, a position he held from 1967 to 1975. During his time as governor, Reagan implemented a series of conservative economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, which helped to revitalize the California economy. Reagan also took a tough stance on crime, supporting the death penalty and increased law enforcement funding. Despite his successes as governor, Reagan’s tenure was not without controversy, as he faced criticism for his handling of the state budget and his relationship with the state legislature.
Chapter 4: The Rise of Ronald Reagan
Chapter 4 chronicles Reagan’s rise to the presidency, beginning with his unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination in 1976. Despite this setback, Reagan continued to build his political profile, delivering a series of influential speeches and establishing himself as a leading voice in the conservative movement. By the time of his successful bid for the presidency in 1980, Reagan had become a household name and was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American politics.
Chapter 5: The Reagan Revolution
Chapter 5 explores the key policies and initiatives of the Reagan administration, including his efforts to reduce government spending, his support for a strong military, and his opposition to communism. Reagan’s foreign policy was marked by a tough stance towards the Soviet Union, including his famous “Evil Empire” speech and his support for anti-communist rebels in Central America. At home, Reagan’s economic policies helped to spur economic growth and create millions of new jobs, although they also contributed to a significant increase in the national debt.
Chapter 6: The End of the Reagan Era
Chapter 6 examines the final years of Reagan’s presidency, including his struggles with Alzheimer’s disease and his eventual resignation in 1989. Despite his declining health, Reagan remained active in public life, delivering a series of influential speeches and continuing to shape the direction of the Republican Party. Reagan’s legacy continues to be debated today, with many praising his commitment to individual freedom and traditional American values while others criticize his handling of the national debt and his support for controversial policies such as the Iran-Contra scandal.
Conclusion
Overall, “On His Own Terms” is a comprehensive and insightful biography of one of the most influential figures in American history. Throughout the book, Smith provides a detailed and nuanced portrait of Reagan’s personal life, political career, and impact on the world stage. While Reagan’s legacy continues to be debated today, “On His Own Terms” provides a valuable perspective on the key ideas and themes that defined his presidency and shaped the direction of American politics for decades to come.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “On His Own Terms” on Amazon
