1. Reagan & George H.W. Bush Presidency Unit 13: Conservative Resurgence 1980-1992

2. Reagan Presidency 1981-1989 The 1980s witnessed a resurgence of conservatism- the philosophy uncovered by Barry Goldwater Reagan believed that the federal government had become too powerful and intrusive, beginning with the New Deal In order to counter the power in the federal government, Reagan worked to combat unions, reduce taxes, cut government spending, and reducing the amount of govt regulations, while also favoring a strong military establishment.

3. New Right & Conservative Views New Right: Conservative groups who supported Reagan during elections- including the following: National Rifle Association: Promote rifle shooting skills The Moral Majority: Fundamentalist, Conservative Christians Heritage Foundation: Promote conservative policies– free enterprise, limited govt, individual freedom, values, & a strong national defense

4. Other Social & Political Conservative Activists Billy Graham Phyllis Shlafely Sandra Day O’Connor becomes first woman Justice on the Supreme Court

5. REAGANOMICS 1980, still facing stagflation (high unemployment, high prices) Reagan tried to solve problem with “supply side economics” Supply side economics: reducing taxes & business regulations hoping to make it easier to produce goods. They reasoned the larger supply of goods would drive down prices & stop inflation.

6. REAGANOMICS By 1983, the economy began to come out of recession. Reagan’s tax cuts, deregulation, and military spending encouraged greater business activity, while new supplies of oil from Alaska & the North Sea stabilized oil prices.

7. Negative Side of Reaganomics Federal deficit (amount of money govt spends beyond what it collects in taxes) increased greatly, and national debt more than doubled. Also, America bought more goods and services than they sold overseas, creating a trade imbalance which led to loss of millions of jobs and drop in income

8. Rust Belt to Sun Belt Movement of people from northern to southern states caused shifts in economic and political power New technological innovations such as air conditioning and hydroelectric power made it possible to keep homes, offices, and factories cool in the summer which encouraged people to move to the South & West. As a result, the West & South became known as the Sun Belt

9. Rust Belt to Sun Belt Sunbelt states also saw their economies grow quickly with the influx of people and businesses. In contrast, the Northeast and the Midwest suffered economically. Parts of these regions became known as the Rust Belt because of the rusting factories that declining industries left behind. Many large factories and industries struggled to survive with the stagflation of the 1970s. Many laid-off workers migrated to the Sunbelt as well to find work.

10. Effects of Sunbelt Sunbelt states saw their political influence grow along with populations. Seats in House of Representatives are reapportioned to reflect population changes. Since the 1970s, Sunbelt states have gained more than 35 Electoral College votes at the expense of the Rust Belt states. Between 1964 and 2004, every successful candidate for President came from a Sunbelt State.

11. REAGAN DOCTRINE U.S. would not simply confine itself to the containment of Communism, it would also attempt to “roll-back” Communism by aiding anti-Communist “freedom fighters” in Afghanistan, Angola, Nicaragua, & Cambodia Peace Through Strength: the best way to prevent war was to make America’s enemies think that the U.S. had both the means and the will to stop aggression. To carry this out, Reagan sharply increased military spending.

12. REAGAN DOCTRINE Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI): “Star Wars” researching an anti-ballistic defense system, using lasers to shoot down missiles in order to prevent a nuclear attack

13. Reagan Doctrine Reagan’s 2 nd term witnessed the triumph of democracy in many parts of the world. In the Philippines & Latin America, dictatorships and military governments were replaced by democratically elected civilian governments.

14. Threat of Terrorism Terrorism: use of bombing, assassination, kidnapping, or other acts of terror to ensure a political group’s voice is heard In 1982, an Israeli force invaded Lebanon, setting a civil war between Christians & Palestinian refugees. Lebanon requests help from the US. In 1983, a suicide bomber attacked American & French barracks in Beirut, capital of Lebanon

15. Threat of Terrorism 241 US Marines & 58 French were killed Reagan removes all forces from Lebanon Reagan announced that he would not negotiate with terrorists, and even bombed 2 cities in Libya in 1986 when he thought its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, had supported terrorist activities

16. Iran Contra Affair In 1986, officials in Reagan Administration acted against the policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists by secretly selling arms to Iran as part of a deal in exchange for the release of American hostages in Lebanon. Profits from sales of arms to Iran were then diverted to support the anti-Communist “Contra” rebels fighting the Communist govt in Nicaragua. This was done even after Congress had prohibited in US aid to the Contras.

17. Effects of Iran Contra Affair When exposed to the public, it shocked the nation. Several officials were convicted of lying to Congress & sent to prison Iran Contra Affair greatly tarnished America’s credibility in the world, and once again the US citizens question their trust in their government

18. Reagan & the Cold War The final years of Reagan’s administration, saw the beginnings of the end of the Cold War Mikhail Gorbachev (head of Soviet Communist Party in 1985) introduces reforms in the Soviet Union, and agreed to meet with Reagan. Gorbachev & Reagan sign an agreement dismantling thousands of nuclear missiles.

19. George H.W. Bush Presidency 1989-1993 Bush served as Vice President for 2 terms under Reagan. Bush promised to continue Reagan’s policies, but with greater emphasis on homelessness, poverty, improving education, and fighting drug use. Bush’s greatest domestic challenge: reduce the budget deficit. Easing tensions in Soviet Union allowed for cuts in military spending, and Bush increased income taxes on the wealthy in 1990.

20. George H.W. Bush Presidency 1989-1993 Bush made several appointments to the Supreme Court, leading to a conservative majority. The Supreme Court toughened rules for criminal defendants, reduced the scope of abortion rights, and many other changes Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment & public accommodations.

21. Bush’s Foreign Policy End of Cold War: 1989-1991, Eastern Europe moved from Communism to democracy, the Berlin Wall was torn down, and Germany was reunited. In 1991, the Cold War ends. The Soviet Union dissolved and was replaced by the Commonwealth of Independent States. Bush recognizes Russia & new republics and offered them economic assistance.

22. Bush’s Foreign Policy The Gulf War: 1990, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, capturing its vast oil wealth & extending Iraq’s border. Hussein refused UN requests to withdraw. UN forces landed an attack against Iraq. Invasion succeeded in only a few days, Hussein agreed to remove all Iraqi troops from Kuwait & pay Kuwait for damages.