The 80’s and Beyond

Reagan’s Campaign Focus Conservative discontent with court decisions (ex. abortion, pornography, prayer in school) Carter’s inability to end Iran Hostage Crisis Weak economy and high inflation Tough anti-communist Called the “Great Communicator” because of his ability to simplify issues and clearly express himself to average Americans Landslide electoral victory over Carter, ushering in a high time of conservatism in government

New Conservative Right Issues of the Right 1.Ending entitlement programs (welfare) 2.Lowering taxes and inflation 3.Decreasing over-reaching civil rights programs 4.Bringing prayer back into public schools 5.Stimulating business 6.Shrinking the federal government 7.Strengthening the national defense

Reagan Fun Facts Actor in the 1940’s-50’s Governor of California Only president ever divorced Only president to survive an assassin’s bullet Oldest elected president (69) Alzheimer’s Disease, Died 2004

1984 Electoral Results

End of the Cold War Leader of Soviet Union: 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev - Reformer and realist -Recognized that USSR could not continue to spend money necessary to keep up militarily with U.S. -Called for glasnost (openness in discussing problems) and perestroika (restructuring of the government and economy)

Fall of the Berlin Wall 1987 “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” Nov. 9, 1989 after massive demonstrations, the border is opened

End of the Cold War Elections held in early 1990s caused non- Russian republics to call for independence USSR dissolved in December 1991 became Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) - Russia and 12 others Though Reagan out of office by that time, he was given much credit for “outspending” the USSR at the same time as opening peaceful talks with their leadership

Freedom for the “satellites” Wave of nationalism led to creation of independent countries in the former USSR -Czechoslovakia -Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia -Yugoslavia fell into civil war; broke into 6 nations - Poland became democratic with a free market economy

Election 1988 George HW Bush easily defeats Michael Dukakis Though more of a moderate, he rides Reagan’s wave of popularity and conservatism Bush finds success in foreign affairs but not domestic during his presidency. o Fall of communism o Successful Gulf War o Poor economy 

The Persian Gulf War The Coalition Forces (34 Countries) vs. Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s regime

Saddam’s reasons for invading Kuwait: Kuwait should pay for war debt with Iran Historically, Kuwait is part of Iraq Kuwait violated OPEC production limits, costing Iraq money *If successful, Saddam would control over 20% of the world’s recoverable oil.*

On Jan. 15, 1991, President George Bush sent a memorandum to his main national security advisors, outlining the goals of the coming conflict with Iraq. The president was explicit in focusing U.S. military efforts in four major areas: Immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait To restore Kuwait's legitimate government To protect the lives of American citizens abroad, and To promote the security and the stability of the Persian Gulf.

Process of war /2/90 Iraq invades Kuwait/ UN demands Iraq to withdraw 8/6/90 UN economic embargos on Iraq begin 8/8/90 Iraq annexes Kuwait and Operation Desert Shield begins 11/29/90 UN allows the use of “all means necessary” after 1/15/91 1/17/91 Operation Desert Storm 2/24/91 Persian Gulf War begins 2/27/91 Kuwait Liberated 2/28/91 Attacks against Iraq end 4/6/91 Iraq accepts terms of the formal cease-fire agreement and Saddam is left in power.

War lasted only 100 hours once the ground battle began. U.S. is victorious! Destruction of Iraqi land

At the end of the Persian Gulf war, the United States left Saddam in power. Many believe this was a mistake that led to the current War on Terror in the Middle East.

War in Iraq Part 2

Axis of Evil After 9/11 President Bush said Iraq was part of an “Axis of Evil” There were concerns over possible weapons of mass destruction UN weapons inspectors said Saddam cooperated but didn’t provide enough info or try to resolve many uncertainties

Decision Time UN Security Council is sharply divided over whether to use force -They avoid a vote on the subject WHY? US Congress votes in Oct to allow military force

Operation Iraqi Freedom March 20, led by General Tommy Franks US and British forces (with some coalition forces from other countries) -US sent 290,000 troops

Troops entered Baghdad and toppled Saddam’s regime in 3 weeks -138 coalition personnel were killed during this combat phase

Mission Accomplished? Captured under a trap door, December 2003 Tried in Iraqi court and sentenced to hang Rebuilding: Iraq physically and politically in ruins Insurgency: groups against the new govt. and US involvement. o Attacks meant to disrupt the country and rebuilding process