Crash Course US History: Ronald Reagan

Lecturer: John Green

Introduction

• Focus on Ronald Reagan, nicknamed "The Great Communicator."
• Although termed the "Reagan Revolution," Reagan was one of the least hands-on presidents.
• Discussion includes pre-existing forces leading to Reagan's influence.

Reagan’s Election (1980)

• Won against Jimmy Carter by appealing to various conservative strands.
• Emphasized “states' rights,” condemned “welfare cheats,” busing, and affirmative action.
• Gained support from religious conservatives and the Moral Majority for family values.
• Appealed to white backlash and working-class white people unhappy with advances of African Americans.
• Supported anti-union, low taxes, and free market positions, and criticized government intervention.
• Won traditionally Democratic states (Illinois, New York), showing Carter's unpopularity.

Reagan's Communication Skills

• Known for being a great communicator, leveraging his acting background.
• Campaign ad: “morning in America” contrasted with Carter’s conservative messaging.
• Used the word “freedom” extensively, but meaning varied.

Reagan's Vision of Freedom

• Freedom from government tyranny vs. government protection from basic needs.
• Comparison of 1980 America’s freedoms vs. 1790 America.
• Economic freedom central to Reagan, exemplified in his Economic Bill of Rights.
• Focus on reducing union power, federal regulation, and taxes.

Economic Policies

• Lowered taxes significantly (1981: top tax rate from 70% to 50%; 1986: top income tax rate to 28%).
• High-interest rates initially caused recession (1981-82) but reduced inflation and saw economic expansion post-1982.

Supply-Side Economics

• Theory: Lower taxes spur economic growth (also known as trickle-down economics or voodoo economics by critics).
• Mixed results: Stock market boomed, but wages stagnated, and economic inequality grew.
• Government spending cuts not achieved; defense spending increased national debt.

Anti-Union Stance

• Fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers in 1981 for illegal strike.

Economic Inequality and Homelessness

• Economic inequality rose, middle-class income stagnated, and the poorest incomes declined.
• Deregulation led to hospital closures for the mentally ill, increasing homelessness.

Reagan as a Moderate Conservative

• Worked with a Democratic Congress during the second term.
• Left New Deal and Great Society programs largely intact.
• Appointed the first woman to the Supreme Court and maintained affirmative action.

Legacy and Conservative Darling

• Seen as the man who ended the Cold War through defense spending and pressure on the USSR.
• Reduced nuclear weapons and improved relations with the Soviet Union in the second term.

Challenges in Middle Eastern Policy

• Failed peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (241 Marines killed).
• Iran-Contra Scandal: illegal arms sales to fund Contras in Nicaragua, leading to congressional hearings.

Conclusion

• The Reagan era reflects broader societal forces rather than individual actions.
• Ongoing debate on the impact of conservatism on concepts of freedom and equality.