The Reagan Revolution

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Describe a connection between the Watergate Scandal with Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. 2. Notes: The Reagan Revolution and End to the Cold War 3. Cold War Card Study and Questions 4. Propaganda of the Cold War 5. SOL Review 6 - Civics and Economics - Kahoot Practice

Background of the Revolution Reagan’s plan was simple. A Tax cut would stimulate the economy. Believed in a more traditional government model, promoting self-help and private enterprise over the government programs under the Great Society. The Religious Right flocked to him as well. At a time of malaise, Reagan offered strong, confident leadership

Reaganomics US Capitalism would expand productivity if left unfettered by the US Government Congress allowed a 25% tax cut, cutting from domestic programs such as school lunches, mass transit, and student loans. They increased interest rates to curb inflation, but this led to a recession with unemployment at 10%. Wall St. had a five year boom that would end in 1987.

Continuation of the Cold War, End of Détente He was strongly against Communists, and after the détente of the 1970s he moves to make America fight Communism once again. He wanted to increase military strength of the USA. The Strategic Defense Initiative was a program designed to create a “forcefield” around the USA. Reagan famously said, “Gorbachev, tear down this wall” The wall finally opened up in November, 1989.

Gorbachev and the Soviet Union Gorbachev changed the policy of a closed society in favor of political and economic reform. Glasnost – Openness of the government. Perestroika – Restructuring of the government. It was thought that it would make Communism more efficient by incorporating free-market aspects. Abandoned the fight in Afghanistan in 1988

Iran Contra and Reagan’s second term It an attempt to control events in Latin America, it led to controversy in the administration. A sale of arms to Iran, and the money went to contras in Nicaragua. Since Iran was no friend of the US, it was spun as a means to release hostages and promote a moderate government. Reagan would meet with Gorbachev several times to promote the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty, eliminating an entire class of existing nuclear weapons.