Reagan and the 80s Flashcards

Flashcards about Reagan and the 80s, covering conservative values, Reaganomics, key figures, and the Iran-Contra scandal.

Liberal

Belief in government regulation of the economy, active role in helping the disadvantaged, wealth redistribution through taxes, and protection of free speech and privacy.

Conservative

Belief in free enterprise, limited government intervention in the economy, personal responsibility, traditional values, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Sunbelt/Bible Belt

A region in the South and West of the United States that experienced a conservative population shift.

Reaganomics

Economic policies advocated by Ronald Reagan, including lower taxes for the wealthy and increased interest rates on loans.

Trickle-Down Economics

The theory that tax breaks for wealthy Americans and corporations will lead to job creation and benefits for the less fortunate.

Geraldine Ferraro

The first woman to run for Vice-President of a major political party, as Walter Mondale's running mate in 1984.

Sandra Day O'Connor

The first woman chosen for the Supreme Court, appointed by Ronald Reagan.

Reagan Doctrine

The policy of the United States supporting groups fighting to overthrow Communist governments.

Iran-Contra Scandal

A scandal during Reagan's presidency involving the illegal sale of arms to Iran in exchange for hostages, with funds funneled to Nicaraguan rebels.

Government Distrust

Conservatives generally have a fundamental distrust of the growing power of government.

Conservative Ideas

Gained support as some Americans believed the government's role in the economy was leading the U.S. toward communism.

Ronald Reagan

The leading voice of the conservative movement, a former actor and Governor of California.

Sun Belt Shift

In the late 50s and early 60s, there was a shift in the conservative population to the South and West, known as the Sun Belt.

Traditional Values

Conservatism tended to draw people who felt that American society had lost its traditional values.

Religious Revivals

Began to gain popularity with figures such as Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell.

Televangelists

Religious figures who run their own newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television networks.

New Coalition of Conservatives

Formed due to Watergate, high taxes, and special interest politics, weakening faith in the government.

Reagan's Beliefs

Believed that government policies were responsible for the country's social and economic problems.

Election of 1980

Reagan defeated Carter in a landslide due to people being upset with the economy and the Iran hostage crisis.

Reagan's Solution to Stagflation

Combining 'Monetarism' and 'Supply-side economics'.

Presidential Election of 1984

Walter Mondale vs Ronald Reagan.

Supreme Court Appointments

Reagan appointed two conservatives which swayed the U.S. Supreme Court to the right.

Second Term

During his second term, Reagan would see the largest military build-up during a time of peace in American history.

Reagan Rejected

He rejected the ideas of both containment and détente.

Defeat Evil

Reagan wanted to defeat evil, not contain or negotiate with it.

The Reagan Doctrine

Believed the U.S. should 'support groups' that were fighting to overthrow Communists governments.

Reagan Doctrine Implementation

Afghanistan in Southwest Asia and Nicaragua in Central America.

Mounting Casualties

Because of mounting casualties & a drained economy the Soviets withdrew in 1988 (Afghanistan).

Sandinistas

Rebels who overthrew the American supported dictator in Nicaraguan.

Contras

Were a large army recruited and trained by the CIA , 'freedom fighters' to overthrow the Sandinistas.

The Tower Commission

Was formed by Reagan to investigate the Iran-Contra Affair.

President Reagan's Involvement

Approved the sale of arms to Iran, but claimed not to know that the money was going to the Contras in Nicaragua.

Space Shuttle Launch

The United States launched the first space shuttle on April 12, 1981.

Challenger Disaster

The shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff on January 20, 1986.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Defense system that would shoot Soviet missiles out of the sky before reaching the US

Star Wars

Nickname of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

Negotiate with Russians

Reagan believed the U.S. should not negotiate with the Russians.

Evil Empire

He viewed the Soviet Union as the 'Evil Empire'.

Reagan and Gorbachev

Worked together to end the division of the Cold War.

Liberal vs Conservative

Differing views on the role of government in regulating the economy and social behavior.

Economic Laissez-faire

Reagan advocated for a limited government and economic laissez-faire philosophy.

Reagan's Presidency

Characterized by a shift towards conservatism and a strong stance against communism.

Stagflation

A combination of high inflation and high unemployment that plagued the US economy in the 1970s.

National Deficit

Increased significantly during Reagan's presidency due to tax cuts and military spending.

Detente

A policy of easing tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, which Reagan rejected.

Contributions to not trusting The Gov

The rising unemployment, the vietnam war, drug abuse, and hostage crisis in iran.

Reagan Before Presidency

Reagan had gained popularity as Governor of California before becoming President

Social programs

Reagan slashed services that helped the poor in favor of laissez-faire philosphy

AIDs in 1981

Health officials first became aware of AIDS in the summer of 1981, but U.S. leaders remained largely silent for four years.

Increased interest rates

Reaganomics involved increased interest rates of loans in addition to lower taxes for the wealthy

Communism

Some Americans believed that the government’s role in the economy was leading the U.S. towards communism

Televangalists

Ministers or religious leaders who use television broadcasting as a primary part of their ministry, often to promote their faith and donations.

Deficit

Cutting the tax rate meant that the government would receive less money, creating a budget

Supreme court

President Reagan was able to sway the U.S. Supreme Court to the right with the appointments of two conservatives

Evil Empire

Reagan called the Soviet Union this, demonstrating his view on the nation

Mujahedeen

Reagan sent aid Afghani freedom fighters known as the Mujahedeen, who were fighting off a Soviet invasion

Contras

Rebels who the U.S. funded to oppose Nicaragua's communist government

Hostages

U.S. hostages were exchanged for arms in the Iran-Contra scandal

Iran’s role

U.S. arms were sold to Iran in exchange for the release of hostages

Lebanon’s role

A Lebanese newspaper reported the U.S. sold missiles to Iran, leading to public awareness of the Iran-Contra Scandal

1981 Space Shuttle

The United States launched the first space shuttle on April 12, 1981

Christa McAuliffe

A teacher killed in The Challenger disaster along with six other crew members.

Berlin Wall

“Mr. Gorbachev…tear down this wall!” The Berlin Wall, would fall

Symbolic End of the Cold War

The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the collapse of communist control in Eastern Europe.

Iran-Contra Affair Centered on

The illegal exchange of weapons for hostages, the illegal action of sending money to the Contras, and an intentional cover-up to protect the President of the U.S.

The U.S. opposed the Sandinistas (a socialist group in Nicaragua) and supported the Contras.

George Bush’s Promise during Campaign

Bush said he would not raise taxes. His famous line was: “Read my lips: no new taxes.” (He later broke this promise.)

Saddam Hussein

During the Persian Gulf War, President Bush went after this leader of Iraq in the 1980s.

Kuwait Invasion

In January 1991, the United Nations went to war in the Persian Gulf War because the Iraqi Leader did this.

Cut of Social Programs

The tax cut Reagan won from Congress would increase the budget deficit, so Reagan proposed a cut to keep the deficit under control. (Part of Reaganomics plan)

Tiananmen Square Massacre

Chinese student protest for democracy which turned violent in 1989. The government responded with military force.

Reagan Doctrine

Policy of supporting guerrilla groups fighting communist or pro-Soviet governments during the Cold War.

Oliver North

Chief figure in the Iran-Contra scandal who admitted to covering up illegal actions, including secretly funding the Contras.

Trickle-Down Economics’ doings

Had the rich provide jobs to the poor, reduced taxes for the wealthy and corporations, and cut government programs that helped the poor.

(focused on tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, not increasing government spending.)