Ronald Reagan President

Before the Presidency Ronald Reagan was born February 6, 1911 in Tampico Illinois. Called “Dutch” Attended Eureka College and majored in sociology and economics Had successful career in radio and movies and made 53 films over two decades.

Before the Presidency Elected Governor of California in 1966 by a margin of a million votes and re-elected in 1970.

How did Reagan Win? Republicans in US upset with Democrats (Carter) and Affirmative Action Favored the “common man” over big government Emphasized less government spending

Regents of Univ. of California v. Bakke (1978) *White medical student denied admission due to affirmative action *More qualified than all other minority candidates admitted in *School “saved” 16 spots out of 100 for minorities to be more “diverse” *Supreme Court ruled this unconstitutional and allowed white student in

The New Right Think “white, middle class” The New Right - wealthy Americans, corporate leaders, Christians, Catholic ethnics, and white blue-collar workers. Shared a dislike for federal intervention in economic and cultural affairs. Did not like public policies that favored minorities, welfare recipients, feminists, homosexuals, and others who seemed to seek preferential treatment from the government.

Typical New Right Quote I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born. ~Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980 Reference to Roe v. Wade (1973), Supreme Court case where abortion was declared legal

Reagan’s Domestic Policy Reduced Federal Regulation Tax Cuts –Designed to boost economy by giving money back to business to invest and spend in new plants and new technology –The resulting boom would increase tax revenues even at lower rates. –Cut taxes across the board by 25%

Reagan’s Domestic Policy Increased Military Spending A balanced budget for 3 years goal to reduce the government's commitment to affirmative action for minorities

Foreign Policy Believed in negotiating with Soviets from a position of strength Wanted to create a laser-based system to shoot down nuclear weapons called SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative)

Foreign Policy Mikhail Gorbachev installed as chairman of Soviet Communist Party 1985 –Established new policies of: Glasnost- openness and Perestroika-restructuring Policies led to détente, or lessening of tensions A series of summits led to friendship and cooperation between Gorbachev and Reagan.

Exit Slip 1) Describe the reasons Reagan was elected in ) List 1 Domestic Goal of Reagan 3) List 1 Foreign Policy Goal of Reagan

Foreign Policy Established American dominance in Caribbean –Restored dominance of gov’t in Grenada –Covert aid to contra rebels in Nicaragua Air raid on Libya in retaliation for terrorist attacks including one on a West Berlin discotheque, killing one American serviceman

Iran-Contra Scandal Congress refused to back aid to contra rebels fighting a Marxist gov’t in Nicaragua Hostage Crisis in Middle East, Iran and Lebanon hint that arms trade could release hostages

Iran-Contra Scandal Reagan makes “arms for hostage” deals with Iran He uses profit from arms sales to aid contra rebels in Nicaragua News leaks out, and cover-up proceeds, including missing tapes, lots of lying, and trials in which Reagan seems very flustered (perhaps an early sign of his Alzheimer's?) Reagan somehow remained one of the most popular presidents, nicknamed the “Teflon Man”

Social Issues Reagan appointed a near majority of Supreme Court justices during his term, mostly conservative- minded –This allowed him to control rulings over such issues as abortion and affirmative action –Included first female justice Sandra Day O’Connor, sworn in Sept. 25, 1981

Economic Troubles Federal Budget Deficit and international trade deficit grew Oil prices failed and blighted economy of Southwest More banks and savings institutions failed than in the Great Depression Stock Market Crash- “Black Monday” October 19, 1987 crashed 508 points

Other Issues Challenger ExplosionChallenger Explosion 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger Explodes 73 seconds after take off from Cape Canaveral in Florida