Reagan Era Summary

Reagan Era

• Reagan's election in 1980 marked the beginning of the Reagan era.
• He united conservatives by emphasizing states' rights, condemning welfare, busing, and affirmative action.
• He gained support from religious conservatives, including the Moral Majority, by advocating for family values.
• Reagan appealed to the "white backlash" group, working-class white people who resented the progress made by African Americans, and economic conservatives through anti-union, low-tax, and free-market positions.
• Anti-government crusaders and libertarians supported his view that government was the problem, not the solution.
• Cold War hawks liked his strong anti-Soviet stance and desire for increased military spending.
• Despite not all policy ideas being popular, Reagan's communication skills were effective, helping him win in 1980.