Unit 7 Section 9 Reagan and the 80’s TYWL: Global interaction may be caused by conflict. / Forces of imperialism, nationalism, militarism and geo-political alliances, taken to the extreme, can lead to international conflicts. / Nationalism and the quest for power are often underlying causes for war. / Conflict occurs when compromise over land, national identity and colonial possessions is no longer an option between those in authority and those they serve. /

Question of the Day Mohandas Gandhi’s protests in India were a response to Great Britain’s support of Zionism introduction of socialism practice of humanitarianism policy of colonialism

Conservative Movement By 1980, growing conservative movement Interest in cutting government entitlement programs, promoting family values and patriotic ideals, lower taxes, reduced government regulation, strengthen military Socially conservative New Right – Conservative Coalition – Moral Majority

Election of 1980 Ronald Reagan, former actor, Governor California “The Great Communicator” Carter’s approval rating was low, economy bad, hostage crisis Reagan wins in landslide but low voter turnout

Reaganomics Economic Plan – Cut Taxes Cut government spending Supply Side or Trickle Down economics Increased military spending (SDI or Star Wars Plan) Economy begins recovery, but Reagan doubles debt in 4 years

Domestic Issues Deregulation of industry Cuts EPA budget Victory in 1984 election Appoints conservative Chief Justice William Rehnquist Appoints first woman to Court – Sandra Day O’Connor

Foreign Policy Hardliner on Communism Escalates Cold War via spending on SDI and missile buildup Refers to USSR as “Evil Empire” – Soviet system eventually collapses Invasion of Grenada to thwart communists

Iran-Contra Affair Greatest scandal of Reagan’s Presidency Illegally sells US missiles to Iran – illegally funnels money to anti-communist Nicaraguan rebels (Contras)

Tiananmen Square Massacre Protests In 1989 college students in China began demanding more political rights. Freedom of speech Freedom of religion Right to vote

Mass Protests The protestors gathered in Tiananmen Square in the center of China’s capital, Beijing.

Decision Deng & China’s leaders had to decide whether to allow for more rights & democracy or to crush the thousands of protestors.

The Massacre On June 4th the Chinese military opened fire, began killing & arresting anyone in the square.

The Death Thousands were killed & more were arrested. One man, “tank man”, became the symbol for the courage and strength of the protestors.

The Message Deng made it very clear that China would not allow democracy or individual rights. The Communist party the dictator remained in control.

80’s America Appearance of AIDS virus Continued abortion debate “Just Say No” campaign Education debate Title IX – Equal funding for men’s and women’s athletics in colleges Crumbling inner cities, homelessness Challenger Disaster Home computers, Apple and Microsoft