The Reagan Presidency

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What was the goal of Reagan's New Federalism?

To shift power from the federal government to the states in line with conservative ideals.

What were the block grants under Reagan's New Federalism?

Lump-sum payments to states that they could use as they wished for social programs.

What did critics say about Reagan's block grant system?

It was a way to reduce federal spending on social programs.

What is the Moral Majority?

A fundamentalist Christian group that gained political influence in the 1980s and supported Reagan.

What was the goal of Reaganomics?

To increase government revenue by lowering taxes which would stimulate the economy as a whole.

What was the result of Reagan's tax cuts and increased military spending?

It added $2 trillion to the national debt.

What is deregulation?

Removal of government controls on business to promote economic efficiency.

What were some examples of deregulation under Reagan?

EPA lowered standards on air and water quality, opened more forest land to logging, gave oil and gas companies offshore drilling rights, and approved the sale of public land to oil and mining companies.

How did federal budget deficits change during Reagan's presidency?

They soared, exceeding $100 billion annually from 1982 onward, reaching $221 billion by 1986.

Why did the national debt increase during the Reagan years?

Tax cuts and military spending.

What happened to the national debt during the Reagan years?

It tripled from $908 billion to $2.9 trillion.

What is the 'guns & butter debate'?

The debate over spending on defense versus civilian programs.

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)?

A plan for orbiting battle stations in space to create a missile shield, also known as 'Star Wars.'

What was the goal of SDI?

To force the USSR to overspend to keep up with the US.

What is the Reagan Doctrine?

The policy of openly supporting anti-communist insurgents and movements around the world.

Who were the Contras?

Anti-communist fighters in Nicaragua who were backed by the U.S.

Who were the Sandinistas?

Leftist rebels who overthrew the dictator of Nicaragua in 1979.

What was the Boland Amendment?

An amendment passed by Congress in 1982 that outlawed U.S. assistance to the Contras for the purpose of overthrowing the Nicaraguan government.

What was the Iran-Contra Affair?

A scandal in the 1980s where the U.S. sold weapons to Iran in exchange for the release of hostages and then used the money to support the Contras.

What was the significance of the Berlin Wall?

Symbol of repression since its construction in 1961, surrounding West Berlin to prevent people from fleeing the Eastern Bloc

What did JFK say about the people of Berlin?

“Ich bin ein Berliner” pledging solidarity with the people in Berlin

What phrase did Reagan say about the Berlin Wall?

“tear down this wall” and “open this gate”

What policies did Gorbachev announce in 1989 that led to the Wall coming down?

policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring)