1. Ronald Reagan Guiding Question: "How does power respond to new challenges?” Learning Target: I can describe the domestic (economic) and foreign policies (Reagan Doctrine) as well as the Iran Contra Scandal. 1

2. Standards USH.7.10 Explain and analyze U.S. foreign policy issues during the 1960s and 1970s. USH.7.7 Identify areas of social tension from this time period and explain how social attitudes shifted as a result. USH.7.8 Explain and analyze changing relations between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1960 to 1980. USH.7.10 Explain and analyze U.S. foreign policy issues during the 1960s and 1970s. 2

3. 3 Ronald Reagan

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5. Reagan is elected in 1980 (takes office in 1981) 5 During the run up to the U.S. Presidential Election of 1980, Regan asked “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” How did the voters answer?

6. 6 Reagan believed that smaller government is better government!

7. Economic Problems Reagan inherited the economic problems left unresolved by Carter and Ford. He attempted to resolve them with a unique monetary policy called “REAGANOMICS” (Aka: Trickle Down Economics) 7

8. Reaganomics (Regan’s domestic economic policy) Monetarists: Kill inflation by raising Interest Rates thereby cutting the amount of money in circulation. 8 Supply-Siders (supply-side economics): Strengthen economy by cutting taxes thereby putting more money in the hands of investors and businesses. Reganomics (Trickel-Down Economics): High Interest Rates + Tax Cuts + Cutting Social Programs + deregulation of industry = more $$$$ in the hands of investors and businesses (the rich) which will then trickle down to the middle and poor classes.

9. Reaganomics: Sought to limit the role of the Federal Government (by leaving $$$ in the hands of the people) 9

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11. But Note, Reagan did not cut the BIG social programs and so created a HUGE deficit. Reagan did not cut social programs like Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid. Why not? Is there a constitutional basis for these New Deal programs? What does that tell you about the Reagan presidency? 11

12. 12 Reagan believed that the “original intent” of the US Constitution should be followed closely. (Strict Constructionist)

13. Running a Deficit & Conservative Justice Despite significant cuts to social programs and taxes Reaganomics did not reduce the U.S. Deficit. Reagan therefore decided to ignore the deficit and focus on building the economy and increasing defense spending. Strict Constructionism & USSC= conservative interpretation of the US Constitution Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (moderate) – first woman on the USSC Justice Antonin Scalia (conservative) Justice Anthony Kennedy (moderate) 13

14. Regan is reelected in 1984 (Landslide) 14 Ouch! Regan won 59% of popular vote in 1984. Regan won all of the electoral votes except those from his opponents home state.

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16. 16 Regan believed in Peace through Strength.

17. Reagan DoctrineReagan Doctrine (8:38) Peace Through Strength Overwhelm the global influence of the Soviet Union during the final years of the Cold War with: Fight Communism everywhere Aid to anti-communist rebels (In Nicaragua for example) Military Spending to bankrupt the Soviets 17

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19. Iran Contra Scandal Iran Contra Scandal August 20, 1985 – March 4, 1987 Under Reagan the CIA/NSC wants to aid anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua (the Contras – funded by the CIA) Congress had passed a law making that aid illegal (the Contras also trafficked in drugs…) Reagan Administration arranges to sell arms to Iran then used the proceeds to fund the Contras Lt. Col. Oliver North is the “bag man” It went bad. They get caught. Docs potentially implicating the President were shredded… Oops. 19

20. The issue…what was the big deal? 1.IRAN was still our enemy – Keep in mind the hostages were released after 444 days in 1981 this covert op ran from August 20, 1985 – March 4, 1987. Also, Iran was holding 7 different Americans hostage in Lebanon at the time. 2.Reagan denied all knowledge of the affair (there is no evidence linking him to the affair) 3.The actions taken by the CIA and NSC were illegal under the Boland Amendments (which directly outlawed U.S. assistance to the Contras for the purpose of overthrowing the Nicaraguan government). 4.Lt. Col. North & his secretary were accused of shredding all evidence of Reagan’s involvement – they did shred the docs. 5.Lt. Col. North was openly unapologetic for his actions & apparently scornful for congressional oversight. He was convicted… 20

21. The Iran Contra Hearing were Televised Ronald Reagan’s address Ronald Reagan’s Testimony Lt. Col. Oliver North Testimony Lt. Col. Oliver North Lt. Col. North’s Secretary, Fawn Hall ‘s Testimony (0:00-2:00 & 8:30 – 11:00)Fawn Hall How did America respond… (10:00) How did America respond… 21

22. Lt. Col. North Oliver North, member of the National Security Council was convicted of accepting an illegal gratuity, obstruction of a congressional inquiry, and destruction of documents, but the ruling was overturned since he had been granted immunity. Please read the article: Oliver North, Fortunate Felon. What do you think of Lt. Col. North’s actions? Do you think that the actions of the US Military should be subject to Congressional scrutiny? Lt. Col. North today. (Speech given to NRA in 2009) Lt. Col. North today. 22

23. Reagan ReviewReagan Review (14:20) 23

24. Know the following terms/Concepts Reagan 1980 Election Reaganomics & Reagan Doctrine Supply Side economics Iran Contra Scandal 24