Chapter 39: The Resurgence of Conservatism (1980-1992)

Election of 1980

Political shift in US where Republican Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent President Jimmy Carter in landslide victory

• Ronald Reagan was former California governor and Hollywood Actor

• Rise of the “New Right”

Ronald Reagan

40th president of the US (1981-1989) known for conservative policies, strong anti-communist beliefs, and efforts to reduce the size of the federal government

• “The Great Communicator”

• Tax cuts, deregulation, increased defense spending (Reaganomics)

Tax Revolt

Growing political struggle and public dissatisfaction with high property taxes and government spending (especially in CA)

• epitomized by Proposition 13 in 1978: reduced property taxes and limited future increases

Supply-Side Economics

Cornerstone of Ronald Reagan’s economic policy to stimulate growth through reducing taxes and deregulating industries

• set the standard for modern Republican practices

• increased defense spending

Strategic Defense Initiative

President Reagan’s proposed missile defense system intended to protect the US from nuclear attacked

• ground-based and space-based interception systems

• escalated arms race with USSR

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Treaty signed between Reagan and Gorbachev aiming to eliminate intermediate-range and short-range nuclear missiles

• turning point in US-Soviet relations leading to eventual dissolution of USSR

Iran-Contra Scandal

Political controversy during Reagan’s second term where senior officials secretly facilitated sale of arms to Iran despite an arms embargo

• proceeds were used to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua

• Public outrage and tarnished administration’s reputation

Black Monday

October 19, 1987 or the day of the largest one-day percentage drop in US Stock Market history

• triggered by rising interest rates, computerized trading, and uncertainty

• circuit breakers designed to prevent future meltdowns

Michael Dukakis

Democratic nominee in 1988 presidential election (governor of Massachusetts known for technocratic style)

• candidacy was damaged by negative ads

• power of media manipulation in election

George H.W. Bush

41st president of the US (1989-1993) best known for his foreign achievements

• Oversaw end of Cold War + successful military campaign (Operation Desert Storm)

• Former CIA director and vice president

• Americans with Disabilities Act

Mikhail Gorbachev

last leader of the Soviet Union who played crucial role in reducing US-Soviet tensions actually leading to the dissolution of the USSR

• policies included glasnost (openness) and perestroika (reconstructing)

Operation Desert Storm

US-led military campaign to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait after Saddam Hussein’s invasion

• swift and decisive victory

• left long-term instability in region

Americans with Disabilities Act

Civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public areas, transportation, and employment

• expanded definition of disability to include mental impairments