APUSH Period 9 Review: 1980-Present

Growth of Conservatism

  • Decline in public trust in government.
  • Economic issues: Stagflation and oil embargoes.
  • Political scandals: Watergate, Pentagon Papers.
  • Foreign policy failures: Iran hostage crisis.
  • Perceived social and moral decay.
  • Rise of evangelical churches.

Stagflation

  • High unemployment.
  • High inflation.
  • High interest rates.
  • Stagnant economy.

Successes of the Conservative Movement

  • Reduced taxes under Reagan and George W. Bush.
  • Reaganomics: Tax cuts for the wealthy.
  • Reduced regulation of industry.

Failures of the Conservative Movement

  • Government size increased under Reagan despite denouncing "big government".
  • Moral ideas met opposition; abortion legality reinforced in Planned Parenthood versus Casey, though a 24-hour waiting period was allowed.

Reagan's Presidency

  • First term: Rejected détente, increased defense spending (Star Wars/Strategic Defense Initiative).
  • Bellicose rhetoric: Aggressive language, calling the Soviet Union an "evil empire".
  • Second term: Improved relations with Mikhail Gorbachev, arms reduction (START one).

Post-Cold War World

  • US engaged in military and peacekeeping interventions (e.g., Serbia, First Gulf War).
  • Post-9/11: Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, war on terrorism.
  • Debates over the balance between civil liberties and national security.

US Economy Post-1980

  • Increased economic inequality due to loss of manufacturing jobs and outsourcing.
  • Middle-class wage stagnation.
  • Free trade debates: NAFTA (North American Free Trade Association).
  • Debates over government social safety nets: Social Security reform, healthcare reform (Obamacare).

Environment and Demographics Post-1980

  • Middle East conflicts and climate change concerns led to debates over US dependency on oil and fossil fuels.
  • Immigration from Asia and Latin America increased after 1965 (Immigration Act of 1965).
  • Population gains in the South and West (Sunbelt), leading to increased political power.
  • Debates over gays and lesbians: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, later overturned by Obama.