Content Guide Author: James W.G., 2014. Rise to Presidency
(3-6) Roots of New Conservatism (7-13) Assassination Attempt (14)
Domestic Policy (begins) (15) Reaganomics (16-22) Economic Problems
(23-25) Sandra Day OConnor (26) Immigration Policy (27) 1984
Election (29-31) Foreign Policy (begins) (32) Reagan Doctrine
(33-37) Threat of Terrorism (38-41) Iran-Contra Affair (42-43)
Triumph of Democracy (end of Cold war) (45-49)
Slide 3
TEKS Guide 113.41(c)(10): --(B) describe Ronald Reagan's
leadership in domestic and international policies, including
Reaganomics and Peace Through Strength; --(D) describe U.S.
involvement in the Middle East such as support for Israel, the Camp
David Accords, the Iran-Contra Affair, Marines in Lebanon, and the
Iran Hostage Crisis; --(E) describe the causes and key
organizations and individuals of the conservative resurgence of the
1980s and 1990s, including Phyllis Schlafly, the Contract with
America, the Heritage Foundation, the Moral Majority, and the
National Rifle Association; and (F) describe significant societal
issues of this time period.
Slide 4
Rise To Presidency Ronald Reagan was a popular Hollywood actor
during the late-40s and 1950s, and became president of the actors
union. He was originally a Democrat, but he became more
conservative over time as he felt the federal government becoming
too powerful and intrusive. He served as the California Governor in
the 1960s, and took a tough stand against various leftist
protestors. Reagan ran for President in 1980, with George H.W. Bush
as his Vice President, and won.
Slide 5
(Reagan during his acting career)
Slide 6
(President Reagan (left) with VP Bush Sr.)
Slide 7
Roots of New Conservatism (pt.1) After the economic inflation,
Iran Hostage Crisis, and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan under
President Jimmy Carter, many Americans wanted a return to
conservative politics and leaders in the 1980s. In the UK,
conservative Margaret Thatcher, known as The Iron Lady, was elected
as Prime Minister; and she would share and support Reagans
ideals.
Slide 8
(Reagan with UK Prime Minister Thatcher)
Slide 9
Roots of New Conservatism (pt. 2) Reagans conservative economic
policies included reducing taxes, cutting government spending, and
reducing government regulations. Reagans success was due partly to
the support of three major conservative groups: the NRA, Moral
Majority, and the Heritage Foundation.
Slide 10
National Rifle Association The NRA is an organization that
promotes gun sports (hunting, marksmanship, etc.) and tries to
protect gun ownership rights in the US. After the assassinations of
JFK, his brother Robert, and Martin Luther King Jr., Congress
enacted the Gun Control Act of 1968. The new act caused the NRA to
become more political in order to defend gun rights. In 1980, the
NRA supported Reagans campaign, and became more openly
conservative.
Slide 11
The Moral Majority Another influential conservative group,
Moral Majority was composed mainly of fundamentalist Christians who
strongly supported Reagan. It was founded in 1979 by evangelist
Jerry Falwell. The group supported strict adherence to the Bible,
social conservatism, and anti-communism; but also opposed the Equal
Rights Amendment. Falwell dissolved the group in 1989, claiming our
mission is accomplished; by which he meant supporting Reagan.
Slide 12
Heritage Foundation Many of Reagans policies were influenced
strongly by the Heritage Foundation. It is a think tank of
conservative intellectuals and politicians who seek to influence
government. It promotes free enterprise, limited government,
individual freedom, and a strong national defense.
Slide 13
Review: Conservative Roots The following led to support for
Reagan and conservatism in the 1980s: --public disapproval with
Jimmy Carters weak approach to foreign threats like the Soviet
Union --support from PM Margaret Thatcher in the UK --the NRA
--Moral Majority --the Heritage Foundation --public support for
ideas expressed by these groups
Slide 14
Assassination Attempt On March 30 th, 1981, after giving a
speech at the Washington Hilton Hotel, President Reagan and three
others were shot by John Hinckley Jr. Nobody was killed in the
shooting. Hinckley was put in an insane asylum, and is still there
today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Jid5uRFo4
Slide 15
Domestic Policies (introduction) President Reagan carried
himself as a confident and strong-willed leader; which many
Americans felt the country needed after the Ford and Carter years.
Reagan felt individuals and businesses were better able to solve
economic problems than the govt. Although Reagan would bring
prosperity to many, his policies would also increase the poverty
gap. Reagan Domestic Policies (in next slides): -Reaganomics
-Economic Problems -Sandra Day OConnor (Supreme Court Justice)
-Immigration Policy
Slide 16
Reaganomics (pt. 1) Reaganomics the term used to refer to the
economic policies implemented by President Ronald Reagans
administration. Previous presidents had focused on the lack of
demand for goods; and thus increased government spending to give
more money to consumers. Reagan focused on supply-side economics,
in which reducing taxes made it easier to produce more goods; and
doing so would reduce prices, stop inflation, and create more
jobs.
Slide 17
Reaganomics (pt. 2) Tax Cuts: Reagan cut taxes on everybody,
including businesses and wealthy people. He felt these groups would
invest their savings in high-end goods and business capital; which
would raise production and reduce unemployment. This was known as
the trickle-down effect. Reduced Domestic Spending: In order to
replace the money lost in tax cuts, Reagan reduced government
spending on welfare.
Slide 18
Part of supply-side economic theory was about finding the
balance between taxation and production. Too much taxation led to
decreased production, and thus decreased tax revenue.
Slide 19
Reaganomics (pt. 3) Increased Military Spending: Reagan
increased spending on military production by having the government
borrow money. This seemed logical to many because of the threats of
the Soviet Union and radicals in Latin America and the Middle-East.
This increased spending created demand for new goods and services
linked with military industry.
Slide 20
Reaganomics (pt. 4) Deregulation: Reagan got rid of many
government regulations on industry, making it easier for new
companies to compete. This also gave businesses more freedom to
grow. Reagan also allowed more business mergers by relaxing
enforcement of anti-trust laws.
Slide 21
Reaganomics (pt. 5) Other Helping Factors: World oil prices
stabilized. (after unstable 70s) A natural increase in healthcare
and computer programming jobs helped decrease unemployment. Reagan
put restrictions on job unions to give businesses more work
flexibility. --A famous case was when he fired members of the
Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), who went
on strike in 1981.
Slide 22
Review: Reaganomics Reaganomics was a type of supply-side
economics. --theory: reducing taxes makes it easier for the private
sector to produce more goods; which reduces prices, stops
inflation, and creates more jobs. Tax Cuts and Reduced Spending
(trickle-down effect) Laffer Curve the most efficient rate of
taxation. (not too much, because it would hurt the economy)
Increased Military Spending Deregulation (more freedom for
businesses) Other helping factors: stable oil prices, new job
markets, new restrictions on unions.
Slide 23
Economic Problems Federal Deficit: the amount the government
spends beyond what it collects in taxes. --Reagans military
spending increased the deficit, and more than doubled the national
debt. Trade Imbalance: Americans in the 1980s bought more foreign
goods and services than they sold overseas. This lead to a loss of
jobs, closing of factories, and a decrease of disposable income for
many Americans. During the Reagan years, there was an increased gap
between rich and poor that can still be seen today.
Slide 24
Slide 25
One of the main criticisms of Reaganomics was that the
trickle-down effect helped the wealthy, but had little benefit for
the lower classes.
Slide 26
Sandra Day OConnor In 1981, Reagan nominated Sandra Day OConnor
to be the first woman Supreme Court Justice. Originally from El
Paso, Texas, she had a political career in Arizona that included
being Assistant Attorney General. She was mostly a conservative.
She became a swing-voter.
Slide 27
Immigration Policy Reagan believed that encouraging immigration
would create more global support for America as a land of
opportunity. Mazzoli-Simpson Act (1986) This act, supported by
Reagan, legalized all illegal aliens that had stayed in the US
since 1981. --the act of legalizing illegal immigrants is often
referred to as amnesty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfHKIq5z80U
Slide 28
Review: Domestic Policy Reaganomics: Reagans conservative
economic policies that were marked by tax cuts, deregulation, and
restrictions on job unions. Economic Problems: national debt
increase, trade imbalance, wealth gap, trickle-down didnt trickle
Sandra D. OConnor first woman on Supreme Court Reagan supported
immigration, Mazzoli-Simpson Act
Slide 29
The 1984 Election In 1984, President Reagan and Vice President
Bush faced their Democratic opponents: Walter Mondale and Geraldine
Ferraro. Walter Mondale was Jimmy Carters Vice President, and also
a Senator from Minnesota. Geraldine Ferraro was a US Representative
from New York, and also the first female VP nominee for a major
party. Reagans charisma, support for the middle class, and link to
the 1980s economic boom helped him win.
Slide 30
Morning In America (1984) Reagans Morning In America
re-election campaign emphasized the economic prosperity of the 80s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa8Qupc4PnQ
Slide 31
The 1984 election was one of the most one-sided elections in US
History. This was due to the phenomenon of Reagan Democrats who
supported Reagan for his tough foreign policy standards, and
defense of the middle-class.
Slide 32
Foreign Policy President Reagan wanted to rebuild Americas
confidence and reputation after Vietnam, Watergate, and the Iran
Hostage Crisis. He believed the United States had a duty to be the
worlds main defender of democracy and capitalism. Policies: --The
Reagan Doctrine (and invasion of Grenada) --The Threat of Terrorism
--The Iran-Contra Affair --Triumph of Democracy
Slide 33
The Reagan Doctrine (pt. 1) In 1983, Reagan sent Marines to the
Caribbean island of Grenada; which had been taken-over by communist
rebels working with Cuba. This intervention showed that Reagan was
willing to fight communism with force.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZe44yMV1tw In 1985, he announced
the Reagan Doctrine; which was a more aggressive version of the
anti- communist Truman Doctrine. --He would not only contain
communism, he would actively fight it by supporting anti-comm.
rebels.
Slide 34
Operation Condor Operation Condor was a project in which the
CIA helped right-wing governments in South America to imprison or
assassinate communist terrorists and political leaders. Originally
began in 1975, it was also supported by Reagan throughout the 80s.
Augusto Pinochet (right) and Henry Kissinger
Slide 35
The Reagan Doctrine (pt. 2) Peace Through Strength: First
outlined in his speech A Time For Choosing at a Republican
convention in 1964; this term reflected Reagans approach to foreign
policy. According to this, the best way to prevent major war was to
make Americas enemies fear us. Reagan criticized liberals for
appeasing US enemies. --Modernized video with clips from A Time For
Choosing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpH5L8zCtSk --Full video
(4 min.) concerning foreign policy with the Soviet Union:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvg7lRsCVJ8
Slide 36
The Reagan Doctrine (pt. 3) Star Wars: This was the nickname
for Reagans collection of new military technology investments;
especially new anti-missile defense systems. The Aegis missile
defense system (fired from the ground or ships) is an example of
one of these programs designed to shoot-down incoming missiles.
Reagan even supported a project that would create a series of X-ray
laser satellites to shoot-down missiles.
Slide 37
Review: The Reagan Doctrine The Reagan Doctrine: Reagans policy
of containing communism (and other threats). His policy was more
aggressive and willing to use military force than previous
presidents. Peace Through Strength: Reagans policy of preventing
major war by maintaining a strong military threat against our
enemies. Star Wars: Reagans investments in new military technology
such as missiles, lasers, and railguns; especially anti-missile
technology.
Slide 38
The Threat of Terrorism (pt.1) Terrorism: the use of bombing,
assassination, kidnapping, or other acts of terror to draw
attention to a political groups viewpoint. In 1982, Israel invaded
Lebanon; which started a civil war between Christians and
Palestinian (Muslim) refugees in the region. Lebanon requested help
from US and French forces to restore order.
Slide 39
The Threat of Terrorism (pt. 2) In 1983, two Muslim suicide
bombers detonated their truck bombs at the US and French army base
in Beirut (capital of Lebanon). 241 US Marines and 58 French
paratroopers died. Reagan later removed troops from Lebanon.
Slide 40
The Threat of Terrorism (pt. 3) Ronald Reagan maintained a
strong policy that the US would not negotiate with terrorists. In
1986, Reagan suspected that the dictator of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi,
had connections with a terrorist bombing at a Berlin nightclub that
was visited by US soldiers. In response, Reagan ordered airstrikes
against targets in two Libyan cities. In 1988, Libyan agents
blew-up a Scottish passenger plane scheduled to go to New
York.
Slide 41
Review: Threat of Terrorism Terrorism: the use of bombing,
assassination, kidnapping, or other acts of terror to draw
attention to a political groups viewpoint. 1982 - Israeli invasion
of Lebanon, civil war between Christians and Palestinian Muslims.
1983 - bombing of allied base in Beirut, Lebanon. The US does not
negotiate with terrorists. 1986 -Reagan bombs Libyan targets in
response to a terrorist attack at a nightclub in Berlin. 1988
Libyan agents blow-up a Scottish plane.
Slide 42
The Iran-Contra Affair (pt. 1) Main Ideas/Terms: Iran Since the
Iranian Revolution in 1979, this country has been an active
supporter of Islamic terrorism around the globe. The Contras
anti-communist rebels fighting the communist government of
Nicaragua in the 1980s.
Slide 43
The Iran-Contra Affair (pt. 2) In 1986, the Reagan
Administration officials went against the policy of not negotiating
with terrorists by selling weapons to Iran. In return, Iran had its
agents release US prisoners in Lebanon. The money gained from
selling the weapons to Iran was then used to give aid to the
Contras. When the affair was revealed, Americans were shocked that
the US negotiated with terrorists. Also, Congress had previously
outlawed giving help to the Contras. Reagan himself was found
innocent, but several of his officials and some military officers
were imprisoned for lying to Congress.
Slide 44
Military Aid To Afghanistan In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded
Afghanistan, and President Carter neglected to act. During Reagans
Presidency, he gave weapons and supplies to Afghan anti-communist
rebels, including the Taliban. One of the most useful weapons was
the Stinger missile launcher, which allowed the poorly- equipped
rebels a chance to shoot-down Soviet aircraft. After many black ops
missions, the Soviets eventually left Afghanistan in in 1989.
Slide 45
The Triumph of Democracy During Reagans second term
(1984-1989), democracy was spreading all-over the world. In the
Philippines and Latin America, dictatorships were being replaced
with democratically-elected governments. Reagans second term was
also the beginning of the end for the Cold War and the Soviet
Union, which Reagan called an Evil Empire. The Soviets failing
economy forced their leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, to introduce
democratic reforms and draw-back the Soviet military. This made it
easier for the Soviet government to be overthrown later-on.
Slide 46
Debate: Reagans Role Critics say that Reagan only benefitted
from Gorbachevs reforms and had little effect on the Cold War.
Supporters point-out that Reagans constant support for democracy
and Peace Through Strength put pressure on the Soviets to change.
Also, that the Star Wars program and new military spending forced
the Soviets to have an expensive arms race in order to
compete.
Slide 47
Review: Foreign Policy The Reagan Doctrine: --Invasion of
Grenada (1983) --Peace Through Strength --opposed to appeasement
--Star Wars The Threat of Terrorism: --Israeli invasion of Lebanon,
Lebanon Civil War (1982) --Beirut, Lebanon allied base terrorist
attack (1983) --Libyan terrorism, Reagan airstrikes (1986-1988)
Iran-Contra Affair (1986): --selling weapons to Iran --giving aid
to the Contras
Slide 48
Tearing Down the Wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjWDrTXMgF8 On June 12, 1987,
President Reagan gave a speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
During the speech, he challenged Gorbachev to tear-down the Berlin
Wall. This showcased his overall policy of standing-up to the
Soviet Union, and promoting democracy.
Slide 49
Extra: Soviet Jokes One of Reagans characteristics was his
sense of humor. He often told jokes about the Soviet Union, in
order to lighten-up peoples perception of the Cold War. Soviet
jokes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN3z3eSVG7A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN3z3eSVG7A Soviet potatoes joke:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSbe87Y65ls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSbe87Y65ls