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Ronald Reagan Objective: Analyze the Presidency of Reagan. Conservative Movement. As the 1970s progressed, right-wing groups gained strength across the country. The voice of the conservative movement became known as the New Right. Conservative Movement. Conservative:
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Conservative Movement • As the 1970s progressed, right-wing groups gained strength across the country. • The voice of the conservative movement became known as the New Right.
Conservative Movement • Conservative: • Support traditional family values, oppose gay marriage
Conservative Movement • Conservative: • Oppose abortion
Conservative Movement • Conservative: • Oppose affirmative action: forcing employers and colleges to give special consideration to women and minorities, even if they were less qualified.
Conservative Movement • Conservative: • Evangelical Christians
Conservative Movement • Conservative: • Promote patriotism and support the troops
1980 Election • In 1980, Jimmy Carter was finishing his first term. • The 1980 election pitted Carter against Republican nominee Ronald Reagan.
1980 Election • Reagan’s career started in Hollywood, where he acted in 53 films.
1980 Election • As president of the Screen Actors Guild, Reagan worked to remove Communist influences from the movie industry.
1980 Election • Politically, Reagan had been a conservative Republican since the 1950s.
1980 Election • In 1966, Reagan was elected governor of California. • Reelected in 1970.
1980 Election • Reagan appealed to conservative Americans’ traditional values. • Also, the Iranian hostage crisis, a weak economy, and high inflation, hurt Carter’s popularity.
1980 Election • To voters, Reagan appeared relaxed, charming, and affable. • In contrast to Carter, who often seemed stiff and nervous.
1980 Election • Reagan’s ability to simplify issues, and give clear answers earned him the nickname, “The Great Communicator.”
1980 Election • In 1980, Reagan and V.P. George Bush defeated Carter by a narrow majority. • Also, Republicans gained control of the Senate for the first time since 1954.
Reaganomics • Reagan’s package of new economic policies was dubbed “Reaganomics” and consisted of three parts:
Reaganomics • 1.budget cuts • Less government spending on social programs, such as food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, school lunches, and student loans.
Reaganomics • 2. tax cuts • Less taxes people save more money banks loan more money to businesses business expands, productivity improves, and prices fall
Reaganomics • 3. increased defense spending • From 1981-1984, the Defense Department budget almost doubled.
Reaganomics • Reagan revived two controversial weapons systems—the MX missile and the B-1 bomber.
Reaganomics • Despite these measures, problems continued to plague the economy. • Tax cuts helped the rich, while social welfare cuts had hurt the poor.
Reaganomics • Despite large budget cuts, government spending was still greater than revenue received through tax dollars.
Reaganomics • By the end of his first term, the national debt had doubled.
Deregulation • Reagan sought to reduce the size of the federal government, through less interference in industry.
Deregulation • Reagan removed price controls on oil. • Eliminated federal health and safety inspections for nursing homes
Deregulation • Also, deregulated the airline, savings, and loan industries. • Reagan cut the budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
1984 Election • In 1984, Reagan was extremely popular, and he easily won reelection against Democrat Walter Mondale.
1988 Election • By the end of Reagan’s second term, Americans still saw little reason for change. • Most Americans were economically comfortable.
1988 Election • Republican George Bush was elected in 1988, vowing to continue Reagan’s legacy. • “Read my lips: no new taxes.”