4.27 In Class Notesheet The Reagan revolution

1980 - 1992

Morning in America

A campaign theme used by Ronald Reagan to project optimism and conservative values.

Ronald Reagan

Was a previous movie actor, who had originally been a liberal and supporter of the new deal. He was involved in trying to stamp out communism and came to resent the cultural left. He felt the Johnson administration went too far, and ran for election of California governor in 1970, where he called for lower government power and taxes. He blamed the problems of nations on unamericans. His image was spent on projecting conservatism and was part of the Republican movement called "the new right"

The New Right

Believed the government had gotten too big, too much spending and too many taxes. Says that "government can't solve your problems" and calls for a return for traditional capitalism and morality with family values, christianity, and correct gender roles.

Rev. Jerry Falwell

Began as a televangelist (TV influencer) and created political action group called "the Moral Majority" to raise money for conservative candidates and bring the return to christian values in America.

The Moral Majority

A political action group that raised funds for conservative candidates and aimed to restore Christian values.

Born Again Christianity

An evangelical movement emphasizing personal repentance (admitting sins, but returning to church and accepting Jesus Christ as lord and savior) and encouraging political engagement/organization among Christians (ex voting for the moral candidates)

The Pro Life movement

A movement opposing abortion (since it is murder), led by the Moral Majority, advocating for the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The Reagan Administration

Focused on shrinking government, reducing military size, and maintaining a strong anti-communist stance.

Supply Side Economics

The opposite of Keynesian Economics, was belief that government should cut taxes and spending to revive economy. People who hated it called it "trickle down economics" as it benefited the wealthy more. In Reagan's first year in office, he cut $750B in taxes and the government massively cut spending through things like cutting $25B from benefit programs

Military Spending

Reagan increased military spending by $1 trillion during his presidency.

Iran Contra Scandal

US Political scandal involving secret arms sales to Iran (an enemy under embargo) to release American hostages.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Soviet leader advocating for openness in communist society, was criticized for leading to the USSR's collapse.

Fall of the Berlin Wall

Event where citizens breached the Berlin Wall, leading to its demolition and symbolizing the end of the Cold War.

Reagan's approach to the Cold War

Supported freedom in Eastern Europe and took a strong stance against communism.