HIST 2112“Morning in America”: The Age of Reagan- Reagan’s Political Odyssey – 1930’s-1960’s- The 1970’s brought on a conservative era- People lost a faith in government- Termo January, 1981 – January, 1989- Reagan’s Political Odyssey – 1930s-1960so Born in 1911 in Illinoiso Lifeguard in his young yearso The acting years – 1930s and 1940so From New Dealer to Right-Winger Reagan the Liberal HUAC and Reagan’s Anticommunism Becomes anti-‘big government’ spokesman for General Electric Joins GOP, gives speeches for Goldwatero Reagan becomes Republican Governor of California – 1966- Jimmy Carter and the rise of the New Righto Carter the moderate and the “conservatization” of the Democratic Party Age of liberal consensus is coming to an endo The Iranian Hostage Crisis – 1979-1981 Angry with America for overruling their revolution and establishing their government Kept American hostages for a year and a half- President Reagan’s Four Promises – 1980-1988o Revive Patriotism and Confidence End the “Vietnam syndrome”- Too simplistic?o Dramatically increase military size/strength High-tech weapons Military spending rises 40% “Rollback” – containment, v. 2o Intense support for big business, aggressive capitalism Tax cuts for wealth – “supply-side economics” Cutting welfare programs Deregulation – environment, safety, etc.- James Watt and Anne Gorsuch Burford- Felt they were excessive, hampering businesses- Took these companies and put their opponents in chargeo Burford was a strong opposer of the EPAo She was placed in charge Opposed union excesses- Air traffic controllers’ strike, 1980o Push “traditional values” Oppose abortion Oppose gay rights Support (Christian) prayer in schools- Contradictions – Reagan not very religious, and the idea of “big-government
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