Download Ronald Reagan Handout example

1981-1989
Historical Era:
Political :
Reagan was part of a new conservative branch of the Republican Party.
 a smaller government
 less government benefits to the poor
 lower taxes
 a strong military.
Opposite of the Democratic Party
 dominated by social progressives
 more programs and benefits to be paid for by taxes
Global Politics: This was during the Cold War.
The United States was competing for influence with the U.S.S.R.
 a race for military power
 economic and political influence over other countries
 There was a fear of nuclear war
Economic: The American economy was weak as it was starting to
be exposed to competition from the global economy.
 U.S. factories were closing and laying off workers.
 Gas prices were high
 inflation had driven up lending costs
 growth was slow
Social issues: Democrats had championed many minority and women’s rights during the 1970’s.
Many of the white middle class felt forgotten by leaders. Women’s liberation, cultural identity, gay
rights were all still controversial. Abortion had been legalized just a few years before and made
many Christian voters upset.
Issues and
event
Economic Plan
Presidential Role
Details
Outcome
Watchdog of the
Economy
“Reaganonmics”
 Lowered taxes
 Lower welfare benefits
 More military spending
Boosted the economy
Increased business investment
BUT…
Recession and unemployment
Invasion of
Grenada
Funding the
Contras
Commander in Chief
Head of State
Challenger
Disaster
INF treaty
Foreign Policy Maker
 Sent Marine force to take over
a small island nation in the
Caribbean
 Sent arms and money to a
rebel group in Nicaragua

Space Shuttle “Challenger”
explodes during lift-off.
 Kills all 7 astronauts including
female teacher
 Millions of Americans are
watching on live TV
 Reagan’s gives speech that
evening on TV
Treaty with USSR that reduces the
number of nuclear weapons by 4%.
Boost to the national spirit
Military success
Blow to communism and Russians
BUT…
Illegal to aide rebels
Reagan’s speech morns the death
of the astronauts but also makes
them into heroes.
His speech strengthens faith in the
U.S.A. during a time of trouble.
This is the first treaty to reduce the
stockpile both nations have built
over the last 30 years.
This would signal the beginning of
the end of the Cold War