"From relations with the Soviet Union to domestic tax reform, The Reagan Years provides a comprehensive look into Ronald Reagan's presidency. In an easily accessible format, this A-to-Z guide provides approximately 90 biographical entries on the most important people in Reagan's administration and examines the consequential events, policies, and issues of this era."--Jacket.

From "B" movie actor to Governor of California -- Reagan's 1976 campaign for president -- The 1980 campaign -- The 1984 campaign -- Assassination attempt -- Judicial appointments -- Civil rights and affirmative action -- Deficits -- Agriculture policy -- 1981 air traffic controllers strike -- Health care -- Welfare -- The 1981 budget and tax cut battles -- Immigration policy -- Social issues : abortion, school prayer, AIDS, pornography -- Education -- Capital punishment and gun control -- Drug abuse -- Environment -- Deregulation -- Social Security -- The "Reagan doctrine" -- Libya -- Grenada -- Lebanon -- El Salvador and Nicaragua -- The Iran-Contra affair -- Afghanistan -- Poland -- Persian Gulf reflagging -- Angola -- Terrorism in the Reagan years -- The Reagan defense buildup and "star wars" -- The "evil empire" and flight KAL 007 -- The INF treaty (intermediate nuclear forces) -- The Reagan and Gorbachev summits -- The Reagan legacy -- Biographical dictionary A-Z -- App. Principal U.S. government officials of the Reagan years -- App. Selected primary documents.