Crash Course U.S. History: Ronald Reagan and the Reagan Revolution

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: Ronald Reagan, known as "The Great Communicator."
• Discussion on Reagan's impact and the conservative movement preceding him.

Ronald Reagan's Election and Appeal

• 1980 Election: Reagan elected President, defeating Jimmy Carter.
• Coalition of Support:
  • Conservatives: Emphasized states' rights, anti-welfare, anti-affirmative action.
  • Religious Conservatives: Supported "family values," despite Reagan's personal history of divorce.
  • White Backlash: Support from working-class whites.
  • Economic Conservatives: Anti-union, pro-low taxes, free market policies.
  • Cold War Hawks: Militant anti-Soviet stance.

Reagan's Communication and Policy

• Communication: Known for effective communication, optimism; "morning in America" campaign.
• Freedom: Frequent use of the term "freedom," questioning its meanings.
• Economic Freedom: Focused on reducing government interference, taxes, and regulation.

Economic Policies

• Lowering Taxes:
  • 1981: Reduced top tax rate from 70% to 50%.
  • 1986: Tax Reform Act lowered top rate to 28%.
• Supply-Side Economics:
  • Aka trickle-down economics or "voodoo economics."
  • High interest rates led to recession but reduced inflation.
• Economic Inequality:
  • Stock market boom but stagnant wages.
  • Rising inequality, with the richest 1% doubling their wealth share by the mid-1990s.

Government Spending and Union Policies

• Government Spending:
  • Cuts to some programs but increased defense spending.
  • National debt rose significantly.
• Union Policies:
  • Anti-union stance; fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981.

Deregulation and Social Impact

• Deregulation:
  • Increased economic inequality.
  • Closing of mental health institutions led to increased homelessness.

Reagan's Legacy

• Conservative Icon: Seen as a moderate today.
• Bipartisanship: Worked with Democratic Congress, protected New Deal programs.
• Cultural Changes:
  • First woman appointed to Supreme Court.
  • Persistent changes in workforce and societal norms.

Foreign Policy

• Cold War:
  • Aggressive stance initially, then nuclear reduction in second term.
  • Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) proposed but not feasible.
• Iran-Contra Affair:
  • Secret arms sales to Iran, funding Contras in Nicaragua, led to scandal.

Conclusion

• Great Man History: Questions the focus on individual leaders.
• Collective Decisions: Emphasizes collective societal choices around freedom and equality.

Closing

• Encouragement to support Crash Course and its educational mission.