Conservativism

US History

Conservativismvs

Liberalism

I. Two Views: LiberalLiberal and Conservative

A. Liberal Ideas and Goals1. Believe federal government should play an

active role to improve the lives of all residents

2. Support social programs and government regulation of industry

3. Favor cooperation with international organizations (like the United Nations)

I. Two Views: Liberal and ConservativeConservative

B. Conservative Ideas and Goals1. Believe private organizations (like Salvation

Army…Feed My Starving Children) and individuals should care for the needy, not the government

2. Oppose government regulations, want less

3. Support a strong military

ContinuedContinued

The Reagan Years

Pride in America When Reagan was

elected, Americans were largely unsure of their government after 20 years of unrest. His largest task was to change people’s attitudes.

ReaganomicsTax Cut Investment

Part of Reaganomics: the president gave the general population tax cuts hoping it would increase private investment.

Giving a company money so they can improve their company and make more money.

You “own” a piece of the company and as they make more money, your piece of the company is worth more money. (dividend)

Market Economy Market Economy: A

type of economy where consumers (people) are free to buy and sell as they please with little government control.

Supply-side Economics Reagan’s theory

cut taxes so people would invest more. Encourage small businesses create competition. Deregulate industry More businesses = more workers needed = more

taxpayers = increased money to government.

Reagan signed into law a 25% tax cut in 1981.

Social Programs Many social programs cut because of a lack of

money to the government. Environment, education, and health care

concerned many people.

Challenging Issues Recession until end of 1982 Budget deficit (spend more than take in) National debt (government bonds) Savings and Loan Crisis American students low test scores AIDS Social Security

Iran Contra

Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, there were two groups fighting: the Sandinistas (communist) and the Contra Rebels.

Reagan strongly supported the Contras. However, in 1986 Congress passed a law making it illegal to support the Contras.

Iran to Nicaragua

In the Middle East, the US has a policy against selling weapons to Iran.

Reagan officials make a deal to sell arms to Iran in exchange for hostages held in the Middle East. 3 hostages are released and 3 more taken captive.

The Scandal

With money from Iran weapons sales, the CIA sends aid to the Contras in Nicaragua.

The Scandal cont. Someone leaks the

story. Top Reagan Administration officials are arrested. Two are convicted.

Reagan is never directly connected with the illegal activity, although he almost certainly knew about it.

End of the Cold War

Reagan supports the buildup of United States military.

Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) – shoot down missiles Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) – shoot down missiles from space (never worked!)from space (never worked!)

Reagan supports anti-communist movements around the Reagan supports anti-communist movements around the world (Go Contras!)world (Go Contras!)

Mikhail Gorbachev pursues policies of Mikhail Gorbachev pursues policies of glasnostglasnost and and perestroikaperestroika

Gorbachev knows USSR can’t match the US military buildupGorbachev knows USSR can’t match the US military buildup

Berlin Wall tumblesBerlin Wall tumbles

Communists lose power in Europe (1989-1991)Communists lose power in Europe (1989-1991)

Soviet Union disbands in 1991Soviet Union disbands in 1991

Fall of the Soviet Union

Video Questions

1. Why was the Wall Built?

2. How did the Wall come down? What caused it?

Mikhail Gorbachev

Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev was economically weak in the mid 1980s

Gorbachev Continued

Gorbachev made peace agreements with the United States, especially in the area of nuclear arms.

Relaxing Control Tension increased

when he held elections and made changes to basic communist thought.

Also encouraged East European nations to go towards democracy.

Fall of Berlin Wall

The fall of the Berlin Wall was the ultimate sign that communism had ended in Germany and other eastern European countries.

New Focus

The fall of communism coincided with the rise in terrorism. Fighting it would require very different strategies – ones not yet understood.

Due on Friday: 1970s Learning Packet & Reading Packet 1970s Outline Conservativism LP & RP Conservativism Outline

Review of 1970s and ConservativismDUE AT THE END OF CLASSDUE AT THE END OF CLASS Get a textbook Answer the Comprehension Questions

under Terms and People on the following pages:

605 637613 644619 649 (ONLY Saddam Hussein &

632 Operation Desert Storm)