Ronald Reagan

John Hinckley Jr. shot Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. A bullet lodged near Reagan's heart, but he recovered after surgery. The incident boosted his popularity and highlighted the need for gun control debates.

Reagan launched Operation Urgent Fury, a U.S. invasion of the Caribbean island of Grenada, citing the protection of American medical students and concerns about Cuban influence. The invasion succeeded in overthrowing the Marxist government within days.

Reagan announced a research program to develop a missile defense system that could intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles. SDI, nicknamed 'Star Wars,' was never fully deployed but escalated the arms race and pressured the Soviet economy.

Reagan signed a major tax reform bill that simplified the tax code, reduced the number of tax brackets, and lowered the top marginal rate from 50% to 28%. It also eliminated many deductions. The act was designed to stimulate economic growth.

Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to open the Berlin Wall. The speech became a symbol of Western resolve during the Cold War. Two years later, the wall fell, contributing to the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe.