Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan

40th President of the United States (1981–1989), symbol of conservative resurgence.

The New Right

A conservative political movement in the 1970s–1980s emphasizing free-market policies, anti-communism, and traditional social values.

Neoconservatives

Conservatives who promoted free-market economics, a strong military, and interventionist foreign policy.

Moral Majority

A political organization of evangelical Christians aiming to influence politics based on conservative Christian values.

Evangelical Christians

Religious group advocating conservative social policies, played a major role in the rise of the New Right.

700 Club

A Christian television program promoting evangelical political and social views.

"The Great Communicator"

Nickname for Reagan due to his persuasive speaking and public appeal.

Reaganomics

Economic policies under Reagan focusing on tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced social spending.

Economic Recovery Tax Act

1981 law that implemented large income tax cuts to stimulate economic growth.

Department of Veteran Affairs

Federal department overseeing veteran benefits; faced criticism during Reagan’s presidency.

PATCO Strike

1981 strike by air traffic controllers; Reagan fired striking workers, demonstrating a tough stance on unions.

HIV/AIDS

Epidemic in the 1980s, initially stigmatized and largely ignored by government.

Gay Men’s Health Crisis

Organization founded in 1982 to support people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Crack Cocaine

Highly addictive drug blamed for urban crime; focus of Reagan’s War on Drugs.

War on Drugs

Government campaign under Reagan targeting drug use and trafficking.

Geraldine Ferraro

First female vice-presidential candidate for a major U.S. party (Democratic, 1984).

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Proposed amendment to guarantee gender equality; failed ratification in the 1980s.

Phyllis Schlafly

Conservative activist who opposed the ERA and promoted traditional gender roles.

Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC)

Organization advocating censorship of music deemed inappropriate for youth.