Late 20th Century History

The Conservative Revolution

1980-1992

~Just six years after the Watergate scandal ~Just six years after the Watergate scandal deeply hurt the Republican party Reagan deeply hurt the Republican party Reagan is elected in a conservative Republican is elected in a conservative Republican landslide.landslide.

Reagan’s Political CareerReagan’s Political Career

~1966 elected governor of California where ~1966 elected governor of California where he:he:>cuts spending on social programs>cuts spending on social programs>moderately increases taxes>moderately increases taxes>reforms State spending and calls for >reforms State spending and calls for similar reform at National levelsimilar reform at National level*All of which results in balancing the *All of which results in balancing the State’s budgetState’s budget

~Originally a democrat with FDR as a political hero ~Became politically active in the actor’s union in Hollywood~1950’s becomes more conservative and joins Republican Party

The Evolution of The Evolution of ConservatismConservatism

*At issue: liberal vs. conservative views on the *At issue: liberal vs. conservative views on the proper size and role of governmentproper size and role of government

~1920’s Repubs – low taxes & minimize spending~1920’s Repubs – low taxes & minimize spending Dems – should do something for suffering Dems – should do something for suffering

farmers, Indians, urban poor, etc.farmers, Indians, urban poor, etc.~1930’s Dems – social & regulatory programs including ~1930’s Dems – social & regulatory programs including

huge deficit spending to deal with the Great huge deficit spending to deal with the Great DepressionDepression

Repubs – founded the Liberty League, which Repubs – founded the Liberty League, which opposed large governmentopposed large government

~WWII ~WWII

~1950’s “Eisenhower prosperity” – moderate Republican with no effort to dismantle big government of 1930’s~1964 Repubs – very conservative Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater (Ex. Opposed Social Security and anti- poverty measures) crushed by LBJ

*However, anti-integration Southern States do break Democrat’s hold on the “Solid South”

~Dems – LBJ and his “Great Society” programs (Exs. Medicare & Medicaid, subsidized housing, etc., expanded New Deal style government)

~1968 Nixon Presidency~1968 Nixon Presidency>Nixon wanted to trim social welfare programs, >Nixon wanted to trim social welfare programs, believing them to encourage people believing them to encourage people notnot to work, but to work, but government actually government actually expandsexpands during his presidency during his presidency Exs. O.S.H.A and the EPA are createdExs. O.S.H.A and the EPA are created>Conservatives also opposed cultural shift >Conservatives also opposed cultural shift evidenced by music lyrics, sexual openness, 1973 evidenced by music lyrics, sexual openness, 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision, gay & lesbian rights Roe vs. Wade decision, gay & lesbian rights activism, women’s rights movement, and violent activism, women’s rights movement, and violent student protestsstudent protests>On civil rights, though conservatives generally >On civil rights, though conservatives generally supported the Brown v Topeka ruling, they opposed supported the Brown v Topeka ruling, they opposed forced bussing to achieve integration as well as forced bussing to achieve integration as well as affirmative action programsaffirmative action programs

1980 Presidential Election1980 Presidential Election~~The New Right – powerful political coalition of conservative groupsThe New Right – powerful political coalition of conservative groups

>some wanted to cut government funded social programs>some wanted to cut government funded social programs>some wanted to restore what they considered Christian values>some wanted to restore what they considered Christian valuesEx. The Moral Majority, led by the televangelist Rev. Jerry Falwell, promoted Ex. The Moral Majority, led by the televangelist Rev. Jerry Falwell, promoted dictates of the bible and traditional valuesdictates of the bible and traditional values

~A Reagan Landslide~A Reagan Landslide>Reagan attacked Carter’s handling of the economy and the Iran Hostage >Reagan attacked Carter’s handling of the economy and the Iran Hostage Crisis, and exuded a positive “can-do” attitudeCrisis, and exuded a positive “can-do” attitude>Reagan wins 489 to 49 electoral votes and 51% to 41% in the popular >Reagan wins 489 to 49 electoral votes and 51% to 41% in the popular votevote>Republicans also gain control of the Senate (first time since ’53) and gain >Republicans also gain control of the Senate (first time since ’53) and gain nationwide in this Republican revolutionnationwide in this Republican revolution

Reagan’s First TermReagan’s First Term

~3 stated goals: ~3 stated goals:

1.)Slash taxes1.)Slash taxes

2.)Eliminate unnecessary government 2.)Eliminate unnecessary government programsprograms

3.)Bolster the defense capability of the U.S.3.)Bolster the defense capability of the U.S.

Domestic PoliciesDomestic Policies

~”Reaganomics” or supply-side economics vs the Keynesian theory~”Reaganomics” or supply-side economics vs the Keynesian theory>Cutting taxes puts money into hands of business owners and investors>Cutting taxes puts money into hands of business owners and investors>This money would be invested to grow and start new businesses >This money would be invested to grow and start new businesses (supply-side), thus creating new jobs and economic growth(supply-side), thus creating new jobs and economic growth>Oppose excessive government spending and high taxes>Oppose excessive government spending and high taxes

>Keynesian Theory: Government created jobs, programs, and payments >Keynesian Theory: Government created jobs, programs, and payments puts money into hands of many peopleputs money into hands of many people>This money would be used to buy goods and services (demand) which >This money would be used to buy goods and services (demand) which would cause the economy to growwould cause the economy to grow*Oppose tax cuts for wealthy and cutting government services for the *Oppose tax cuts for wealthy and cutting government services for the vulnerablevulnerable

~~Cutting TaxesCutting Taxes>1981 a 5% tax cut went into effect>1981 a 5% tax cut went into effect>1982 a 10% tax cut went into effect>1982 a 10% tax cut went into effect>1983 an additional 10% tax cut went into effect>1983 an additional 10% tax cut went into effect>1986 Tax code is largely rewritten and simplified>1986 Tax code is largely rewritten and simplified

-Fewer income brackets-Fewer income brackets-Wealthy benefit the most as tax rate on the -Wealthy benefit the most as tax rate on the

highest highest incomes drops from 70% to 28% incomes drops from 70% to 28%

~~DeregulationDeregulation*Issue over government *Issue over government regulations (which had been regulations (which had been around since the Progressive around since the Progressive Era of early 1900’s)Era of early 1900’s)

-Supporters say: -Supporters say: needed needed to make to make businesses businesses operate operate

ethicallyethically>Ex. prevent unfair >Ex. prevent unfair competition, protect rights of competition, protect rights of labor, and to protect labor, and to protect consumersconsumers

-Opponents say: they stifle -Opponents say: they stifle free market competitionfree market competition>Ex. excessive regulations >Ex. excessive regulations mean higher costs and lower mean higher costs and lower profits to produce, leading to profits to produce, leading to fewer jobs and higher prices fewer jobs and higher prices for consumersfor consumers>Reagan continues & >Reagan continues & expands deregulation of expands deregulation of energy & banking begun energy & banking begun during the Carter during the Carter administrationadministration>Reagan cuts the number of, >Reagan cuts the number of, and funding for, regulatory and funding for, regulatory agencies like the E.P.A., thus agencies like the E.P.A., thus reducing its efforts and reducing its efforts and effectiveness.effectiveness.

~Slowing Growth of Federal Government~Slowing Growth of Federal Government*Issue over social welfare programs:*Issue over social welfare programs:

-Supporters say: Government should help -Supporters say: Government should help people people who can’t help themselveswho can’t help themselves

-Opponents say: Anyone can succeed if they -Opponents say: Anyone can succeed if they work work hardhard>The Reagan administration:>The Reagan administration:

-Reduced unemployment compensation-Reduced unemployment compensation-Lowered welfare payments-Lowered welfare payments-Reduced spending on food stamps-Reduced spending on food stamps-Raised fees on Medicaid payments-Raised fees on Medicaid payments*Note – Federal spending still grew during *Note – Federal spending still grew during

this this period due to population growth but period due to population growth but slower than it would have without the slower than it would have without the cutscuts

~Recession and Recovery~Recession and Recovery>During the first 2 years of Regan’s presidency, the U.S. experienced the >During the first 2 years of Regan’s presidency, the U.S. experienced the worst worst recession since the Great Depressionrecession since the Great Depression

-Unemployment reached 10.8% in 1982-Unemployment reached 10.8% in 1982-Several hundred businesses closed each week-Several hundred businesses closed each week

>The economy began to recover in 1983>The economy began to recover in 1983-High interest rates had cooled inflation (rising prices)-High interest rates had cooled inflation (rising prices)-Tax cuts led to increased consumer spending-Tax cuts led to increased consumer spending-Business leaders increased investments-Business leaders increased investments-The stock market pushed upward-The stock market pushed upward

> Debate over supply–side economics> Debate over supply–side economics-Republicans claimed the recovery supported this approach-Republicans claimed the recovery supported this approach-Poverty & homelessness, however, remained high-Poverty & homelessness, however, remained high-And contrary to supply-side theorists’ predictions, the Federal deficit -And contrary to supply-side theorists’ predictions, the Federal deficit

grew grew rather than shrankrather than shrank*1981 Assassination attempt*1981 Assassination attempt

- shot by John Hinkley, an unbalanced fan of the actress Jodie Foster - shot by John Hinkley, an unbalanced fan of the actress Jodie Foster - Reagan fully recovers, but Press Secretary James Brady is- Reagan fully recovers, but Press Secretary James Brady is permanently disabled, leading to the Brady Bill gun lawpermanently disabled, leading to the Brady Bill gun law

Foreign PolicyForeign Policy~Reagan felt our position in the world had been weakened in recent years and was ~Reagan felt our position in the world had been weakened in recent years and was

determined to regain status and defend American interests in the Cold Wardetermined to regain status and defend American interests in the Cold War>Reagan spent huge sums to build up both conventional and nuclear weapons>Reagan spent huge sums to build up both conventional and nuclear weapons>Strategic Defense Initiative (S.D.I.) – Popularly known as “Star Wars”, this program >Strategic Defense Initiative (S.D.I.) – Popularly known as “Star Wars”, this program proposed creating a satellite missile defense shield in space to intercept and destroy proposed creating a satellite missile defense shield in space to intercept and destroy any incoming Soviet missilesany incoming Soviet missiles*Never fully realized, we continue to work on missile interceptor technology today…*Never fully realized, we continue to work on missile interceptor technology today…

~Trouble spots in the Middle East~Trouble spots in the Middle East>Lebanon – In 1983 a suicide truck bomber >Lebanon – In 1983 a suicide truck bomber kills 241 U.S. marines sent there by Reagan kills 241 U.S. marines sent there by Reagan as part of a peace keeping force (causing us as part of a peace keeping force (causing us to withdraw our troops)to withdraw our troops)>Libya – Led by Muammar Gaddafi, this >Libya – Led by Muammar Gaddafi, this nation sponsored terrorism against U.S. and nation sponsored terrorism against U.S. and Israeli targets in EuropeIsraeli targets in Europe*With proof relating to the bombing of a *With proof relating to the bombing of a German nightclub that killed a U.S. German nightclub that killed a U.S. serviceman, Reagan ordered an airstrike on serviceman, Reagan ordered an airstrike on Libya on April 14, 1986Libya on April 14, 1986

~Fighting Communism in the Americas~Fighting Communism in the Americas>El Salvador in the 1980’s – The U.S. >El Salvador in the 1980’s – The U.S. supported a repressive regime fighting a supported a repressive regime fighting a civil war because some of the guerilla civil war because some of the guerilla fighters were Marxistfighters were Marxist>Grenada 1983 – Following a military coup >Grenada 1983 – Following a military coup by forces supportive of Cuba, Reagan by forces supportive of Cuba, Reagan ordered U.S. military forces to the ordered U.S. military forces to the Caribbean island where they:Caribbean island where they:

-Protected American medical -Protected American medical studentsstudents

-Overthrew the military government-Overthrew the military government-Stayed to oversee free elections-Stayed to oversee free elections

>Nicaragua – explained in detail later in the >Nicaragua – explained in detail later in the study guide…study guide…

Reagan’s Second TermReagan’s Second Term::

~1984 Presidential Election~1984 Presidential Election-Despite the recession early in -Despite the recession early in his first term and rising budget his first term and rising budget deficits, Reagan’s campaign deficits, Reagan’s campaign asked voters, “are you better off asked voters, “are you better off than you were four years ago?” – than you were four years ago?” – and most felt that they were…and most felt that they were…

-Dems nominate Walter Mondale -Dems nominate Walter Mondale (Carter’s V.P.) and Geraldine (Carter’s V.P.) and Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be on Ferraro, the first woman to be on a major party’s presidential a major party’s presidential ticketticket

-The recovered state of the -The recovered state of the economy and Reagan’s economy and Reagan’s popularity help him win a huge popularity help him win a huge landslide, 525 to 13 in the landslide, 525 to 13 in the electoral collegeelectoral college

Patriotism & National PridePatriotism & National Pride::~Reagan’s optimism and national pride helps give ~Reagan’s optimism and national pride helps give

the U.S. a sense of confidence it hadn’t felt since the U.S. a sense of confidence it hadn’t felt since the Kennedy years.the Kennedy years.*Why? Radicalism of 60’s, ‘Nam, Watergate, Iran *Why? Radicalism of 60’s, ‘Nam, Watergate, Iran Hostage Crisis now behind us…Hostage Crisis now behind us…

~Patriotic events included:~Patriotic events included:-1984 L.A. Summer Olympics-1984 L.A. Summer Olympics-1986 Centennial of the Statue of Liberty -1986 Centennial of the Statue of Liberty celebrationcelebration-1987 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution-1987 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution

Continuing Social DebatesContinuing Social Debates(In the Conservative Era)(In the Conservative Era)::

~Black Civil Rights:~Black Civil Rights:>Support for:>Support for:-As a result of the 1960’s Civil Rights legislation -As a result of the 1960’s Civil Rights legislation blacks were voting and holding office in larger blacks were voting and holding office in larger and larger numbers and in more placesand larger numbers and in more places-1983 Reagan signed a Congressional bill -1983 Reagan signed a Congressional bill making the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. a making the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. a national holiday (third Monday in January)national holiday (third Monday in January)>Opposition to:>Opposition to:-Reagan tried to prevent the extension of the -Reagan tried to prevent the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, backing off only after Voting Rights Act of 1965, backing off only after intense criticismintense criticism-Reagan appoints federal judges less -Reagan appoints federal judges less sympathetic to civil rights goalssympathetic to civil rights goals-Reagan worked to end affirmative action -Reagan worked to end affirmative action programsprograms

~The Women’s Movement~The Women’s Movement>Progress:>Progress:

-Women gained access to jobs and opportunities -Women gained access to jobs and opportunities previously denied thempreviously denied them

>Limiting:>Limiting:-In 1982 the Equal Rights Amendment, passed in -In 1982 the Equal Rights Amendment, passed in

1972, fails to 1972, fails to be be ratified ratified (so it goes away…)(so it goes away…)-Anti-abortion groups worked to limit Supreme -Anti-abortion groups worked to limit Supreme

Court’s 1973 Court’s 1973 Roe v Wade decisionRoe v Wade decision*Still a hugely polarizing issue today*Still a hugely polarizing issue today

~Sexual Orientation-The campaign for rights of

homosexuals saw similarly polarizing views

-The AIDS epidemic contributed to this as many of the earliest victims of this

then-little-understood disease were homosexual men

*1984 Ryan White story –

~Conservatives on the Supreme Court~Conservatives on the Supreme Court*These social issues often wound up in the judicial *These social issues often wound up in the judicial system and during Reagan’s two terms the court system and during Reagan’s two terms the court shifted to the conservative side due to his three shifted to the conservative side due to his three appointments:appointments:-1981 Sandra Day O’Connor becomes first woman on -1981 Sandra Day O’Connor becomes first woman on the Supreme Courtthe Supreme Court-1986 Antonia Scalia is seated and William Rehnquist is -1986 Antonia Scalia is seated and William Rehnquist is elevated to Chief Justice elevated to Chief Justice -1987 a Reagan appointee, Robert Bork, is denied -1987 a Reagan appointee, Robert Bork, is denied confirmation by Senate Democrats, but his second confirmation by Senate Democrats, but his second choice, moderately conservative Anthony Kennedy is choice, moderately conservative Anthony Kennedy is confirmedconfirmed

The Evolving EconomyThe Evolving Economy~Following the 1981-82 recession, recovery and renewed ~Following the 1981-82 recession, recovery and renewed

prosperity was felt unevenlyprosperity was felt unevenly>Struggled:>Struggled:

-Farmers – Due to oversupply and resulting low -Farmers – Due to oversupply and resulting low prices, prices, they relied more and more on Federal subsidiesthey relied more and more on Federal subsidies

-Manufacturing workers – Job losses occurred -Manufacturing workers – Job losses occurred due to due to increased efficiency and to foreign competition – increased efficiency and to foreign competition –

especially in the Northeast, gaining it the especially in the Northeast, gaining it the nickname the nickname the “Rust Belt”“Rust Belt”

>Fared well:-Wealthy – Average income earned by top fifth of American households rose 23% while among the bottom fifth incomes rose 4%

*Many more families saw both husbands and wives working to increase income

Reagan’s Hands Off StyleReagan’s Hands Off Style~The Savings & Loan (S&L) Scandal~The Savings & Loan (S&L) Scandal

>Reagan and Congress pressed for deregulation of S&L >Reagan and Congress pressed for deregulation of S&L banks so the banks could make more profitable, banks so the banks could make more profitable, but but riskierriskier, loans – usually mortgages or real estate , loans – usually mortgages or real estate developmentsdevelopments>Many S&L officers made personal fortunes through risky >Many S&L officers made personal fortunes through risky loans in a hot real estate marketloans in a hot real estate market>When the real estate market cooled in late 80’s many >When the real estate market cooled in late 80’s many S&L’s collapsed, taking $2.6 billion in depositors’ savings S&L’s collapsed, taking $2.6 billion in depositors’ savings with themwith them*Because S&L bank accounts are insured by the federal *Because S&L bank accounts are insured by the federal government, taxpayers footed the billgovernment, taxpayers footed the bill

~Iran-Contra Affair (Nicaragua)~Iran-Contra Affair (Nicaragua)-Marxist “Sandinistas” had seized power in Nicaragua in -Marxist “Sandinistas” had seized power in Nicaragua in 19791979-The CIA then secretly trained and armed anti-Sandinista -The CIA then secretly trained and armed anti-Sandinista guerillas known as “Contras” (“against”) to fight the guerillas known as “Contras” (“against”) to fight the governmentgovernment-In 1984 Congress learned about this and banned it-In 1984 Congress learned about this and banned it-Reagan Administration officials then secretly sold arms to -Reagan Administration officials then secretly sold arms to (anti-U.S.) Iran and used the money to continue to fund the (anti-U.S.) Iran and used the money to continue to fund the Nicaraguan ContrasNicaraguan Contras-Congress learns of this in 1986 through investigative -Congress learns of this in 1986 through investigative hearings, leading to the most serious criticisms of Reagan’s hearings, leading to the most serious criticisms of Reagan’s PresidencyPresidency-Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North takes the blame for the -Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North takes the blame for the arrangements, while Reagan claimed no knowledge of itarrangements, while Reagan claimed no knowledge of it

The Reagan LegacyThe Reagan Legacy

~Despite the S&L crisis, the Iran-Contra Affair, ~Despite the S&L crisis, the Iran-Contra Affair, and a huge stock marked “crash” in the Fall and a huge stock marked “crash” in the Fall of ’87 due to budget deficits and rising of ’87 due to budget deficits and rising national debt, Reagan leaves office in national debt, Reagan leaves office in January ’89 with an over 60% approval ratingJanuary ’89 with an over 60% approval rating

~Foreign Policy Successes ~Foreign Policy Successes >Grenada – showing Reagan’s willingness to use force when deemed necessary>Grenada – showing Reagan’s willingness to use force when deemed necessary>Improvement in relations with the U.S.S.R.>Improvement in relations with the U.S.S.R.-Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader in 1985 -Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader in 1985 -He introduces two reforms popular with Americans and the -He introduces two reforms popular with Americans and the democratic west:democratic west:~”Glasnost”, or “political openness”, which allowed greater ~”Glasnost”, or “political openness”, which allowed greater free free speech and free pressspeech and free press~”Perestroika”, or “restructuring”, which allowed some free ~”Perestroika”, or “restructuring”, which allowed some free enterpriseenterprise-1987 INF Treaty reduced number of intermediate range nuclear -1987 INF Treaty reduced number of intermediate range nuclear missilesmissiles-“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Though the Berlin wall won’t -“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Though the Berlin wall won’t be be dismantled until November of 1989, Reagan helps it come about.dismantled until November of 1989, Reagan helps it come about.*As mentioned earlier, despite issues during his time in *As mentioned earlier, despite issues during his time in office, office, Reagan’s two terms are known for renewed national Reagan’s two terms are known for renewed national pride and pride and optimismoptimism

The George H.W. Bush The George H.W. Bush PresidencyPresidency

~Challenge ? Like Adams (G.W.), Johnson (A.L.), Taft (T.R.), & ~Challenge ? Like Adams (G.W.), Johnson (A.L.), Taft (T.R.), & Truman (F.D.R.), Bush was following a legendary President and Truman (F.D.R.), Bush was following a legendary President and struggled to equal his predecessor’s successstruggled to equal his predecessor’s success

~Background:-Decorated WWII bomber pilot-Profitable career in Texas oil industry-Congressman in 1966-Ambassador to U.N. under Nixon-Envoy to China under Ford-Head of Republican National Committee-Head of the C.I.A. in 1970’s-V.P. for both of Reagan’s terms

~~1988 Presidential Election1988 Presidential Election-Though conservative Republicans questioned the depth of his -Though conservative Republicans questioned the depth of his commitment to their values, Bush wins the nominationcommitment to their values, Bush wins the nomination

-Dems nominate MA Gov. Michael Dukakis, who had helped MA out of -Dems nominate MA Gov. Michael Dukakis, who had helped MA out of economic struggles and pledged to bring his “Massachusetts Miracle” to economic struggles and pledged to bring his “Massachusetts Miracle” to the nationthe nation

-Republican attack ads, portraying Dukakis as soft on crime for example, -Republican attack ads, portraying Dukakis as soft on crime for example, and Bush’s association with Reagan, help Bush win a large popular and Bush’s association with Reagan, help Bush win a large popular (53.37% to 45.65%) and electoral College (426 to 111) majority(53.37% to 45.65%) and electoral College (426 to 111) majority

-Dems, however, controlled both houses of Congress-Dems, however, controlled both houses of Congress

Foreign Policy/Foreign IssuesForeign Policy/Foreign Issues – where Bush has his greatest – where Bush has his greatest

successsuccess

~The Cold War Ends~The Cold War Ends*Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s call for *Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s call for glasnostglasnost and and perestroikaperestroika in the communist countries of in the communist countries of Eastern Europe lled to the end of the “Eastern Europe lled to the end of the “Iron CurtainIron Curtain”, ”, European communism, and the police states in European communism, and the police states in place there since shortly after WWIIplace there since shortly after WWII

~Poland~Poland>1970’s shipyard workers enduring >1970’s shipyard workers enduring food shortages rioted and tried to food shortages rioted and tried to form a labor union (some were form a labor union (some were killed by gov’t troops)killed by gov’t troops)

> 1980 they went on strike and > 1980 they went on strike and forced the government to allow forced the government to allow them to form a free & independent them to form a free & independent labor unionlabor union

>1981 The government launched a >1981 The government launched a crackdown on the now nation-wide crackdown on the now nation-wide alliance of labor groups known as alliance of labor groups known as “Solidarity” and jailed its leaders, “Solidarity” and jailed its leaders, including the popular Lech Walesaincluding the popular Lech Walesa

>1983 Lech Walesa wins the Nobel >1983 Lech Walesa wins the Nobel Peace PrizePeace Prize

>1988 Further economic problems >1988 Further economic problems led the government to meet with led the government to meet with “Solidarity” leaders and schedule “Solidarity” leaders and schedule free electionsfree elections

>1989 Poles elect their first >1989 Poles elect their first democratic government since democratic government since before WWII with Lech Walesa as before WWII with Lech Walesa as their Presidenttheir President

The Berlin Wall FallsThe Berlin Wall Falls*Throughout Eastern Europe anti-Communist revolts were *Throughout Eastern Europe anti-Communist revolts were breaking outbreaking out**New (democratic) governments were elected in **New (democratic) governments were elected in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, etc.Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, etc.

>Summer 1989 East German tourists visiting newly >Summer 1989 East German tourists visiting newly democratic Hungary fled to democratic Austria and then to democratic Hungary fled to democratic Austria and then to West GermanyWest Germany

>Pressure mounts on East German government to open >Pressure mounts on East German government to open borders and institute reformsborders and institute reforms

>November 8, 1989 East Germany announces border with >November 8, 1989 East Germany announces border with West Germany now openWest Germany now open

>November 9, East and West Germans party on top of, >November 9, East and West Germans party on top of, and smash much of, the Berlin Wall - the biggest symbol of and smash much of, the Berlin Wall - the biggest symbol of the Cold Warthe Cold War

>Within a month the East German communist government >Within a month the East German communist government collapses and within a year Germany is reunitedcollapses and within a year Germany is reunited

The Soviet UnionThe Soviet Union

>Gorbachev had hoped to reform the Soviet system but keep the communist party >Gorbachev had hoped to reform the Soviet system but keep the communist party in powerin power>August 1991 conservative, hard-line communists stage a brief coup hoping to >August 1991 conservative, hard-line communists stage a brief coup hoping to end the reforms, but the coup quickly failsend the reforms, but the coup quickly fails>December 1991 the Soviet Union collapses, to be replaced by the Common->December 1991 the Soviet Union collapses, to be replaced by the Common-wealth of Independent States (C.I.S.) with President Boris Yeltsin in chargewealth of Independent States (C.I.S.) with President Boris Yeltsin in charge*A number of the former Soviet Socialist Republics will then push for independence *A number of the former Soviet Socialist Republics will then push for independence Ex. Latvia, Lithuania, and EstoniaEx. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia**START I – A Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was then signed/ratified by the U.S. **START I – A Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was then signed/ratified by the U.S. and the CIS, limiting long range nuclear weaponsand the CIS, limiting long range nuclear weapons***”The Cold War is now behind us, let us not wrangle over who won it” ***”The Cold War is now behind us, let us not wrangle over who won it”

M. GorbachevM. Gorbachev

A New International RoleA New International Role

*As the world’s now sole superpower the U.S. now found itself *As the world’s now sole superpower the U.S. now found itself responding to crises abroad in a new post-Cold War wayresponding to crises abroad in a new post-Cold War way>Tiananmen Square 1989>Tiananmen Square 1989-May: -May: Pro–democracy Chinese students Pro–democracy Chinese students gathered in huge numbers in Beijing’s gathered in huge numbers in Beijing’s largest public squarelargest public square-June:-June:The Chinese government used the military to The Chinese government used the military to beat, beat, disband, and arrest protestors and disband, and arrest protestors and stop stop the democracy movementthe democracy movement

*With important economic ties with China, President Bush *With important economic ties with China, President Bush limited U.S. involvement to quiet (and ineffective) limited U.S. involvement to quiet (and ineffective) negotiationsnegotiations

>Invasion of Panama Dec. 1989>Invasion of Panama Dec. 1989-President Bush invaded Panama to arrest the country’s -President Bush invaded Panama to arrest the country’s dictator, Manuel Noriega, for involvement in smuggling dictator, Manuel Noriega, for involvement in smuggling drugs to the U.S.drugs to the U.S.*This was seen by many Americans as a decisive act in the *This was seen by many Americans as a decisive act in the war on drugswar on drugs

>>The Persian Gulf War 1991The Persian Gulf War 1991-August 1990 Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invades -August 1990 Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invades neighboring Kuwaitneighboring Kuwait-Saddam claims Kuwait belonged historically to Iraq-Saddam claims Kuwait belonged historically to Iraq-President Bush saw it as a grab of Kuwait oil wealth, -President Bush saw it as a grab of Kuwait oil wealth,

a a threat to our ally Saudi Arabia’s security and the threat to our ally Saudi Arabia’s security and the supply of supply of oil to the west, and therefore, a matter of oil to the west, and therefore, a matter of national securitynational security

-U.S. public opinion initially opposed direct -U.S. public opinion initially opposed direct involvement but involvement but passing weeks see:passing weeks see:

~Oil prices rise significantly~Oil prices rise significantly~Reports of Iraqi atrocities against Kuwait ~Reports of Iraqi atrocities against Kuwait

civilians civilians mount mount~Diplomatic efforts fail to get Saddam to ~Diplomatic efforts fail to get Saddam to

withdrawwithdraw

-“-“Operation Desert StormOperation Desert Storm” Jan.-Feb. 1991” Jan.-Feb. 1991~U.N. supported coalition of 28 countries (led ~U.N. supported coalition of 28 countries (led by U.S.) invades Kuwait to oust the Iraqi armyby U.S.) invades Kuwait to oust the Iraqi army~Plan organized by U.S. Chairman of the Joint ~Plan organized by U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin PowellChiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell~Invasion led by U.S. Gen. Norman ~Invasion led by U.S. Gen. Norman SchwarzkopfSchwarzkopf~In 6 weeks Kuwait was liberated~In 6 weeks Kuwait was liberated*President Bush chose to end the offensive *President Bush chose to end the offensive before removing Saddam from power, hoping before removing Saddam from power, hoping internal Iraqi opposition would. It didn’t…internal Iraqi opposition would. It didn’t…**Despite this, Bush’s approval rating in Feb. **Despite this, Bush’s approval rating in Feb. 1991, following Desert Storm, soars to 89%1991, following Desert Storm, soars to 89%

Domestic IssuesDomestic Issues

*Less success here contributed to Bush being a one term President*Less success here contributed to Bush being a one term President**His approval rating by July of 1992 had plummeted to 29%**His approval rating by July of 1992 had plummeted to 29%>Clarence Thomas>Clarence Thomas

-Bush’s Supreme Court appointee faced intense scrutiny over -Bush’s Supreme Court appointee faced intense scrutiny over charges of charges of past sexual harassment past sexual harassment

-This ignited public debate on the issue of sexual harassment-This ignited public debate on the issue of sexual harassment>Budget Deficits>Budget Deficits

-Continued to swell under President Bush-Continued to swell under President Bush-He in turn tries to slow spending on social programs-He in turn tries to slow spending on social programs-He finally agrees to new taxes to increase revenue, breaking his -He finally agrees to new taxes to increase revenue, breaking his campaign promise of (“read my lips”) “campaign promise of (“read my lips”) “no new taxesno new taxes””

>Early 1990’s Recession>Early 1990’s Recession-Turmoil in Persian Gulf caused high gas -Turmoil in Persian Gulf caused high gas

pricesprices-End of the Cold War caused less need for -End of the Cold War caused less need for

military military spending, causing job lossesspending, causing job losses-1991 unemployment reaches 7%, highest in -1991 unemployment reaches 7%, highest in

5 5 yearsyears