content guide author: james w.g., 2014. rise to presidency – (3-6) roots of “new conservatism”...

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)

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.

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.

(Reagan during his acting career)

(President Reagan (left) with VP Bush Sr.)

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.

(Reagan with UK Prime Minister Thatcher)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the main criticisms of Reaganomics was that the trickle-down effect helped the wealthy, but had little benefit for the lower classes.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

content guide author: james w.g., 2014. rise to presidency – (3-6) roots of “new conservatism”...

Documents

president reagan

conservative politics

conservative resurgence

acting career slide

moral majority

reagan doctrine

roots of new conservatism

conservative margaret