Conservatism & the Conservatism & the end of the Cold War end of the Cold War

1980-19891980-1989

The Conservative MovementThe Conservative MovementFrom 1932 to 1980 Congress & the executive From 1932 to 1980 Congress & the executive branch had underwent a radical liberal reform branch had underwent a radical liberal reform 32 of the 48 years had seen a Democrat in the White 32 of the 48 years had seen a Democrat in the White

HouseHouseFDR and the New Deal increased the size of the federal gov’tFDR and the New Deal increased the size of the federal gov’tHarry Truman’s Fair Deal, JFK’s New Frontier, & LBJ’s Great Harry Truman’s Fair Deal, JFK’s New Frontier, & LBJ’s Great Society programs further increased the amount of gov’t programsSociety programs further increased the amount of gov’t programs

The 1980’s saw a conservative movement in The 1980’s saw a conservative movement in AmericaAmerica Years of social reforms & liberal programs were suddenly Years of social reforms & liberal programs were suddenly

attacked by a new conservatism in Americaattacked by a new conservatism in America

Issues such as affirmative action, separation of Issues such as affirmative action, separation of church & state fall under attackchurch & state fall under attack Conservatives saw affirmative action as a form of reverse Conservatives saw affirmative action as a form of reverse

discrimination & separation of church & state as the key discrimination & separation of church & state as the key factor in an apparent loss of traditional family values factor in an apparent loss of traditional family values

The Conservative MovementThe Conservative Movement

The Conservative CoalitionThe Conservative CoalitionThe Conservative Coalition The Conservative Coalition

informal alliance of business leaders, informal alliance of business leaders, middle class voters, disaffected middle class voters, disaffected Democrats, and Christian groupsDemocrats, and Christian groups

The Moral Majority The Moral Majority Religious groups played an important role Religious groups played an important role

in this movementin this movement Evangelical Christians & television Evangelical Christians & television

preachers such as Jerry Falwell & Pat preachers such as Jerry Falwell & Pat RobertsonRobertson

These groups condemned liberal views & These groups condemned liberal views & behaviors behaviors They argued for a restoration of traditional They argued for a restoration of traditional morals & valuesmorals & values

Reduce the nation’s high divorce ratesReduce the nation’s high divorce rates Lower the number of out of wedlock birthsLower the number of out of wedlock births Encourage individual responsibilities Encourage individual responsibilities

They raised money to support political They raised money to support political candidates candidates

Goals of the Conservative Goals of the Conservative MovementMovement

Shrink the size of the federal Shrink the size of the federal government & reduce spendinggovernment & reduce spending

Promote family values and Promote family values and patriotic ideals patriotic ideals

Stimulate business by reducing Stimulate business by reducing government regulations and government regulations and lowering taxeslowering taxes

Strengthen the national defenseStrengthen the national defense

Pat Robertson Jerry Falwell

The Election of 1980The Election of 1980

Despite losing the Republican nomination against Despite losing the Republican nomination against incumbent Gerald Ford in 1976 California Governor incumbent Gerald Ford in 1976 California Governor & former actor Ronald Reagan won the Republican & former actor Ronald Reagan won the Republican nomination in 1980nomination in 1980 Reagan chose George H.W. Bush as his running-mate Reagan chose George H.W. Bush as his running-mate

The Democrats again nominate President Jimmy The Democrats again nominate President Jimmy Carter & his V-P Walter MondaleCarter & his V-P Walter Mondale

Vs.

Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan

Reagan, born in Illinois became a Reagan, born in Illinois became a Hollywood actor in 1937, becoming the Hollywood actor in 1937, becoming the President of the Screen Actors GuildPresident of the Screen Actors Guild

Reagan was originally a “New Deal” Reagan was originally a “New Deal” Democrat but in the 1950’s he aligned Democrat but in the 1950’s he aligned himself more with the Republican partyhimself more with the Republican party

Reagan campaigned for GOP Reagan campaigned for GOP candidate Barry Goldwater during the candidate Barry Goldwater during the 1964 Pres. Election, even making his 1964 Pres. Election, even making his nominating speech at the Republican nominating speech at the Republican National ConventionNational Convention

The Election of 1980The Election of 1980Reagan’s acting career helped him in the public spotlight of Reagan’s acting career helped him in the public spotlight of a presidential campaigna presidential campaign

The poor economy, & several conservative issues such as the The poor economy, & several conservative issues such as the Supreme Courts decisions on abortion, pornography, prayer in Supreme Courts decisions on abortion, pornography, prayer in public school helped Reagan appeal to voterspublic school helped Reagan appeal to voters

Reagan was great at one liners such as:Reagan was great at one liners such as: “Recession is when your “Recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours, neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours, Recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his.”Recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his.”

Reagan is called “The Great Communicator” for his ability to covey Reagan is called “The Great Communicator” for his ability to covey his ideas in simple, clear language that the average voter could his ideas in simple, clear language that the average voter could understandunderstand

Only 52.6% of American voters went to the polls but Ronald Only 52.6% of American voters went to the polls but Ronald Reagan won by a very narrow majority; 51% of the vote (44 Reagan won by a very narrow majority; 51% of the vote (44 million)million)Despite the small majority Reagan’s support was spread Despite the small majority Reagan’s support was spread over the whole country allowing him to win the electoral vote over the whole country allowing him to win the electoral vote in a landslide 489 to 38 winning 44 statesin a landslide 489 to 38 winning 44 states

The Election of 1980The Election of 1980

ReaganomicsReaganomics

To deal with the nation’s economic problems To deal with the nation’s economic problems President Reagan introduced a new President Reagan introduced a new package of policies that would be dubbed package of policies that would be dubbed “Reaganomics”“Reaganomics”

These policies consisted of 3 partsThese policies consisted of 3 parts1)1) Budget cutsBudget cuts

2)2) Tax cutsTax cuts

3)3) Increased defense spendingIncreased defense spending

As soon as he took over President Reagan As soon as he took over President Reagan worked to reduce the size and influence of worked to reduce the size and influence of the federal governmentthe federal government

ReaganomicsReaganomics

Budget CutsBudget CutsPresident Reagan cut by 10% the budgets President Reagan cut by 10% the budgets

for urban mass transit, food stamps, for urban mass transit, food stamps,

welfare, Medicaid, school lunches, and welfare, Medicaid, school lunches, and

student loans while not touching such programs as Social student loans while not touching such programs as Social Security, Medicare, and veteran's pensions leading to some Security, Medicare, and veteran's pensions leading to some controversy controversy

Reaganomics were based on the theory of Reaganomics were based on the theory of supply-side supply-side economicseconomics

The idea behind this theory was that if people paid fewer taxes they The idea behind this theory was that if people paid fewer taxes they would save more $ would save more $ banks could then loan that $ to businesses banks could then loan that $ to businesses which could invest the $ in resources to improve productivity which could invest the $ in resources to improve productivity supplies would then go up driving prices downsupplies would then go up driving prices down

With Pres. Reagan’s prodding Congress lowered income tax With Pres. Reagan’s prodding Congress lowered income tax by 25% over a 3 year periodby 25% over a 3 year period

0

1020

3040

5060

7080

90

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Defense SpendingDefense SpendingDespite cutting domestic budgets President Reagan increased Defense Despite cutting domestic budgets President Reagan increased Defense Spending Spending The most significant of Pres. Reagan’s defense programs was The most significant of Pres. Reagan’s defense programs was authorizing the development of a defense system that would potentially authorizing the development of a defense system that would potentially be able to shoot down enemy nuclear missiles in space; Strategic be able to shoot down enemy nuclear missiles in space; Strategic Defense Initiative Defense Initiative

Democrats name it Star Wars after the famous George Lucas movieDemocrats name it Star Wars after the famous George Lucas movie It’s estimated that the system would cost trillions of dollars to developIt’s estimated that the system would cost trillions of dollars to develop

This system, although never proven to work struck fear in the Soviet This system, although never proven to work struck fear in the Soviet UnionUnion

If this did work it would render billions of dollars worth of Soviet Nuclear If this did work it would render billions of dollars worth of Soviet Nuclear weapon’s uselessweapon’s useless

Mikhail Gorbachev lobbied the U.S. to stop work on the SDI in exchange for Mikhail Gorbachev lobbied the U.S. to stop work on the SDI in exchange for massive limitations on nuclear weaponsmassive limitations on nuclear weapons

The panic that this system although never The panic that this system although never successfully developed, caused the Soviets successfully developed, caused the Soviets is one of the reasons for the fall of the Soviet is one of the reasons for the fall of the Soviet UnionUnion

Defense SpendingDefense Spending

Assassination AttemptAssassination AttemptOn March 30, 1981 only two months after taking office an On March 30, 1981 only two months after taking office an assassination was attempted on Pres. Reaganassassination was attempted on Pres. ReaganPresident Reagan was shot by a mentally unbalanced man President Reagan was shot by a mentally unbalanced man by the name of John Hinckley, Jr. by the name of John Hinckley, Jr.

It was found out that Hinckley’s reasoning for the assassination It was found out that Hinckley’s reasoning for the assassination was to impress a young actress named Jodie Fosterwas to impress a young actress named Jodie Foster

At first it wasn’t believed that Reagan had not been shot but At first it wasn’t believed that Reagan had not been shot but shortly after speeding away in the limo an entrance wound shortly after speeding away in the limo an entrance wound was found & he was rushed to the hospitalwas found & he was rushed to the hospitalDespite the seriousness of his injury Pres. Reagan joked Despite the seriousness of his injury Pres. Reagan joked with his wife as he was wheeled into surgery “with his wife as he was wheeled into surgery “Honey, I Honey, I forgot to duckforgot to duck?” (which was a line first used by famous ?” (which was a line first used by famous boxer Jack Dempsey in the 1920’s)boxer Jack Dempsey in the 1920’s)Later joked with his surgeons saying “Later joked with his surgeons saying “I hope you I hope you fellas are Republicansfellas are Republicans””Reagan was able to fully recover from this & his Reagan was able to fully recover from this & his popularity grewpopularity grew

John Hinckley, Jr.

Reagan moments before assassination attempt

Jodie Foster

Assassination AttemptAssassination AttemptPresident's Press Secretary, James President's Press Secretary, James Brady, was shot in the head from close Brady, was shot in the head from close range range Brady did recover but was permanently Brady did recover but was permanently disabled disabled Service agent Tim McCarthy was shot Service agent Tim McCarthy was shot in the chest in the chest McCarthy made a full McCarthy made a full recoveryrecovery

District of Columbia Police District of Columbia Police officer Thomas Delehanty officer Thomas Delehanty was also shot by one of the was also shot by one of the 6 shots fired6 shots fired He would also make a full recoveryHe would also make a full recovery

Press Sec. James Brady

Recession and RecoveryRecession and RecoveryThe first year of Reagan’s presidency the country slipped The first year of Reagan’s presidency the country slipped into the worst recession since the Great Depressioninto the worst recession since the Great Depression

July 1981 – November 1982July 1981 – November 1982

In 1983 the country went on a spending spree boosted by In 1983 the country went on a spending spree boosted by tax cuts, decline in the interest rates, and lower inflationtax cuts, decline in the interest rates, and lower inflation

The stock market surged, unemployment declined, and the GDP The stock market surged, unemployment declined, and the GDP went up 10%went up 10%

Trickle Down economics: By lowering income taxes on Trickle Down economics: By lowering income taxes on people & businesses the people who saved the most money people & businesses the people who saved the most money were the ones that had the most $were the ones that had the most $

The administration said that these profits at the top would “trickle” The administration said that these profits at the top would “trickle” down to the middle class & eventually the poor through businesses down to the middle class & eventually the poor through businesses expanding & creating jobs as well as banks loaning out $ from the expanding & creating jobs as well as banks loaning out $ from the upper class depositsupper class deposits

The National debt nearly doubled during Reagan’s The National debt nearly doubled during Reagan’s administrationadministration

The United States Supreme CourtThe United States Supreme Court

President Reagan appointed three President Reagan appointed three Supreme Court Justices during his 8 Supreme Court Justices during his 8 years in office (all conservative)years in office (all conservative)

Reagan appointed Sandra Day Reagan appointed Sandra Day O’Connor the first ever female O’Connor the first ever female Supreme Court JusticeSupreme Court Justice

Also nominated Antonin Scalia, & Also nominated Antonin Scalia, & Anthony Kennedy as well as Anthony Kennedy as well as nominated Justice William Rehnquist nominated Justice William Rehnquist to be the Chief Justiceto be the Chief Justice

Sandra Day O’Connor

Antonin Scalia

Anthony Kennedy

The Conservative CourtThe Conservative CourtPresident George H. Bush replaced retiring justice William Brennan with President George H. Bush replaced retiring justice William Brennan with David H. Souter David H. Souter President Bush nominated Clarence Thomas to replace Thurgood President Bush nominated Clarence Thomas to replace Thurgood Marshall on the courtMarshall on the court

During Thomas’s nomination process controversy sprung up when a law During Thomas’s nomination process controversy sprung up when a law professor Anita Hill accused Thomas of sexual harassment professor Anita Hill accused Thomas of sexual harassment

Televised Senate hearings lasted for several days before Clarence Thomas Televised Senate hearings lasted for several days before Clarence Thomas was confirmed by the narrow margin of 52-48was confirmed by the narrow margin of 52-48

These five appointments on the nine member court drastically changed These five appointments on the nine member court drastically changed the make up of the supreme court that had been very liberally dominated the make up of the supreme court that had been very liberally dominated since the days of FDRsince the days of FDR

This would be important when the court make rulings restricting abortion, This would be important when the court make rulings restricting abortion, modified civil rights laws and narrowed the rights of arrested peoplemodified civil rights laws and narrowed the rights of arrested people

Anita Hill & Clarence Thomas Clarence Thomas David Souter

DeregulationDeregulationPresident Reagan as part of his plan President Reagan as part of his plan to reduce the size of the federal to reduce the size of the federal government began deregulating government began deregulating industry (cutting back on federal industry (cutting back on federal regulations)regulations)

Removed price controls on oilRemoved price controls on oil Eliminated federal health & safety Eliminated federal health & safety

inspections of nursing homesinspections of nursing homes Deregulated the savings & loans industry Deregulated the savings & loans industry

as well as the airlinesas well as the airlines

This deregulation increased This deregulation increased competition & often resulted in lower competition & often resulted in lower prices for consumersprices for consumersPresident Reagan also cut the budget President Reagan also cut the budget of the Environmental Protection of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which had been Agency (EPA) which had been created to protect the environment created to protect the environment and conserve natural resourcesand conserve natural resources

President Ronald Reagan

Presidential Election of 1984Presidential Election of 1984The conservative tide in America had The conservative tide in America had secured President Reagan a large secured President Reagan a large following such as:following such as:

Businesspeople:Businesspeople: who wanted to deregulate who wanted to deregulate the economythe economy

Southerners: Southerners: who historically have always who historically have always wanted less federal control wanted less federal control

Westerners:Westerners: who resented federal controls who resented federal controls on mining and grazingon mining and grazing

Reagan Democrats:Reagan Democrats: who agreed with who agreed with Reagan on limiting federal government & Reagan on limiting federal government & thought that the Democratic Party had thought that the Democratic Party had drifted too far to the leftdrifted too far to the left

In 1984 President Reagan & Vice In 1984 President Reagan & Vice President Bush ran against Walter President Bush ran against Walter Mondale (VP under Carter) & Geraldine Mondale (VP under Carter) & Geraldine Ferraro (Representative from New York)Ferraro (Representative from New York)Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman on Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman on a major party’s presidential ticketa major party’s presidential ticketReagan wins in a landslide winning every Reagan wins in a landslide winning every state but Mondale’s home state of state but Mondale’s home state of Minnesota & the District of ColumbiaMinnesota & the District of Columbia

Dem. Pres. CandidateWalter Mondale

Dem. VP CandidateGeraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro speaking at the Democratic National

Convention

525 Electoral VotesTo 13 for Mondale

The Election of 1984The Election of 1984

Social Issues of the 80’s & 90’sSocial Issues of the 80’s & 90’s

A I D S A I D S

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) This virus that destroys the immune system, weakening This virus that destroys the immune system, weakening

the body making it more susceptible to infections & the body making it more susceptible to infections & cancerscancers

Transmitted through bodily fluids most early victims of the Transmitted through bodily fluids most early victims of the disease were homosexual men or intravenous drug users disease were homosexual men or intravenous drug users who shared needleswho shared needles

As the disease spread however other contracted AIDS through As the disease spread however other contracted AIDS through blood transfusions or from being born to infected mothersblood transfusions or from being born to infected mothers

As the AIDS epidemic spread a massive public As the AIDS epidemic spread a massive public awareness campaign beganawareness campaign began

Pro-Life vs. Pro-ChoicePro-Life vs. Pro-Choice

Pro-Life vs. Pro-ChoicePro-Life vs. Pro-ChoiceIn the 1973 In the 1973 Roe v. WadeRoe v. Wade Supreme Court verdict abortions in Supreme Court verdict abortions in the first trimester were legalized as being protected by a the first trimester were legalized as being protected by a woman’s right to privacywoman’s right to privacyImmediately opponents of abortions began to organize & Immediately opponents of abortions began to organize & became known as Pro-Life peoplebecame known as Pro-Life people

They argued that human life begins at conception & that women They argued that human life begins at conception & that women shouldn’t have the right to terminate a human lifeshouldn’t have the right to terminate a human life

The people in favor of legalized abortion became known as The people in favor of legalized abortion became known as Pro-ChoicePro-Choice

They argued that reproductive choices were a personal health care They argued that reproductive choices were a personal health care issue & that women should be able to chose whether to have their issue & that women should be able to chose whether to have their child or notchild or not

In July of 1989 the Supreme Court ruled in In July of 1989 the Supreme Court ruled in Webster v. Webster v. Reproductive Health Care ServicesReproductive Health Care Services that states had the right that states had the right to impose new restrictions on abortionto impose new restrictions on abortion

Now restrictions to abortions vary from state to stateNow restrictions to abortions vary from state to state

““Just Say No!”Just Say No!”

Crack/Cocaine burst on the scene in America during the Crack/Cocaine burst on the scene in America during the 1980’s1980’s

This was a highly addictive drug from South AmericaThis was a highly addictive drug from South America

Soon after taking office President Reagan announced a War Soon after taking office President Reagan announced a War on Drugson Drugs

Trying to stem the rising tide of drug abuse in America President Trying to stem the rising tide of drug abuse in America President Reagan supported moves to prosecute drug users as well as drug Reagan supported moves to prosecute drug users as well as drug dealers dealers

First Lady Nancy Reagan toured the country in an anti-drug First Lady Nancy Reagan toured the country in an anti-drug campaigned & coined the slogan “campaigned & coined the slogan “Just Say No!Just Say No!””Some people argued that drugs should be legalized to Some people argued that drugs should be legalized to reduce the power of gangs who made a living selling illegal reduce the power of gangs who made a living selling illegal drugsdrugsMany people pushed for treatment facilities to treat drug Many people pushed for treatment facilities to treat drug users rather than just incarcerating themusers rather than just incarcerating them

A Nation at RiskA Nation at RiskIN 1983 a federal commission released a report on IN 1983 a federal commission released a report on education entitled education entitled A Nation at Risk A Nation at Risk

This report revealed that American students were falling This report revealed that American students were falling behind students in most industrialized countriesbehind students in most industrialized countries

It stated that 23 million Americans were unable to follow It stated that 23 million Americans were unable to follow an instruction manual or fill out a job application forman instruction manual or fill out a job application form

This report sparked debate over education in the U.S.This report sparked debate over education in the U.S. The commission recommended The commission recommended

More homeworkMore homeworkLonger school daysLonger school daysAn extended school yearAn extended school yearPromoted increased pay & merit raises for teachers Promoted increased pay & merit raises for teachers Emphasized basic subjects such as English, math, Emphasized basic subjects such as English, math, science, social studies, and computer sciencescience, social studies, and computer science

In April of 1991 President Bush announced an In April of 1991 President Bush announced an education plan known as “America 2000”education plan known as “America 2000”

This argued for allowing parents the use of public This argued for allowing parents the use of public funds to send their kids to the schools of their funds to send their kids to the schools of their choice choice public, private, or religious public, private, or religious

This would enable a free market competition This would enable a free market competition among the schoolsamong the schools

Inner City DecayInner City DecayLarge inner cities such as Baltimore, Large inner cities such as Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. etc… were Washington D.C. etc… were deteriorating deteriorating More & more white families were moving to More & more white families were moving to

the suburbs in search of new homes, big the suburbs in search of new homes, big lawns, shopping malls, & new schoolslawns, shopping malls, & new schools

Businesses began to follow them to the Businesses began to follow them to the suburbs during the 1970’s & 80’ssuburbs during the 1970’s & 80’s

Taking all of the jobs & tax dollars with themTaking all of the jobs & tax dollars with them

This left the inners cities inhabited by This left the inners cities inhabited by poor people, minorities, burdened poor people, minorities, burdened by high unemployment, by high unemployment, inadequate funds for sanitation, inadequate funds for sanitation, health services, schools, health services, schools, public transportation public transportation

Women’s RightsWomen’s RightsAfter the Equal Rights Amendment failed in After the Equal Rights Amendment failed in 1982 women’s organizations began to push 1982 women’s organizations began to push to get more women elected to public officeto get more women elected to public office This led to the nomination of Geraldine Ferraro This led to the nomination of Geraldine Ferraro

to the 1984 Presidential ticket as V.P.to the 1984 Presidential ticket as V.P.

In the November elections of 1982 the In the November elections of 1982 the number of women in the House of number of women in the House of Representatives increased from 23 to 47 & Representatives increased from 23 to 47 & the number of female Senators increased to the number of female Senators increased to 66In 1983 Elizabeth Dole was named In 1983 Elizabeth Dole was named Secretary of Transportation and Margaret Secretary of Transportation and Margaret Heckler became the Sec. of Health and Heckler became the Sec. of Health and Human ServicesHuman Services

Geraldine Ferraro

Elizabeth Dole

Margaret Heckler

Women’s RightsWomen’s Rights

In 1982 58% of American women In 1982 58% of American women were in the workforcewere in the workforce

Women that year earned only 76Women that year earned only 76¢ for ¢ for every $ a man earnedevery $ a man earned

Female college graduates earned Female college graduates earned only slightly more than did male only slightly more than did male high high school school graduatesgraduates

Women’s organizations and Unions Women’s organizations and Unions pushed for pushed for Pay EquityPay Equity

Jobs would be rated on the basis of Jobs would be rated on the basis of the amount of education they required the amount of education they required and/or the amount of physical and/or the amount of physical strength required to perform themstrength required to perform them

Pay rates would reflect job Pay rates would reflect job requirementsrequirements

Government and corporations began Government and corporations began to create maternity leave, job sharing, to create maternity leave, job sharing, and work-at-home packages for their and work-at-home packages for their employeesemployees

Women’s & Men’s Avg. earnings 1982CareerCareer WomenWomen MenMen

AccountantAccountant 19,91619,916 25,27225,272

Ad ManagerAd Manager 19,39619,396 32,29232,292EngineerEngineer 26,05226,052 31,46031,460

High School High School TeacherTeacher 18,98018,980 21,42421,424

LawyerLawyer 30,26430,264 34,00834,008

PhysicianPhysician 21,94421,944 26,88426,884PolicePolice 15,54815,548 20,07220,072

Registered Registered NurseNurse 20,59220,592 20,69620,696

Retail SalesRetail Sales 8,7368,736 13,72813,728Social WorkerSocial Worker 15,60015,600 20,43620,436

University University ProfessorProfessor 20,74820,748 26,83226,832

African-AmericansAfrican-Americans

A-A made great gains politically in the 1980’sA-A made great gains politically in the 1980’s African-Americans became the mayors of many African-Americans became the mayors of many

cities cities Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.Philadelphia, Washington D.C.

L. Douglas Wilder became the first A-A gov. (Virginia)L. Douglas Wilder became the first A-A gov. (Virginia) A-A’s were elected to sheriff, school board, state A-A’s were elected to sheriff, school board, state

legislators, etc…legislators, etc… Reverend Jesse Jackson ran for the Democratic Reverend Jesse Jackson ran for the Democratic

nomination for president in 1984 and 1988nomination for president in 1984 and 1988

Gains by A-A in the 1980’s didn’t extend to Gains by A-A in the 1980’s didn’t extend to economic progress economic progress

The fight against affirmative action once again made The fight against affirmative action once again made it more difficult for African-Americans to catch up it more difficult for African-Americans to catch up economically economically

Governor Douglas Wilder

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Other MinoritiesOther MinoritiesLatinos became the fastest growing minority in the 1980’sLatinos became the fastest growing minority in the 1980’s

Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, etc..Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, etc..

Many Latinos began to support bilingual educationMany Latinos began to support bilingual education Fearing that abandoning Spanish would weaken their cultureFearing that abandoning Spanish would weaken their culture Many others in the U.S. feared that the growing number of Hispanics Many others in the U.S. feared that the growing number of Hispanics

would split the nation between English & Spanish speakerswould split the nation between English & Spanish speakers

In the 1980’s Native Americans began to demand their rights In the 1980’s Native Americans began to demand their rights as wellas well

The government under the Reagan administration reduced funding for The government under the Reagan administration reduced funding for Native Americans health & educational servicesNative Americans health & educational services

This led to Native Americans pushing to open gambling casinos as a This led to Native Americans pushing to open gambling casinos as a way of increasing fundingway of increasing funding

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Native AmericansNative Americans

The Events of the 1980’sThe Events of the 1980’s

Challenger ExplosionChallenger Explosion

Challenger ExplosionChallenger ExplosionNASA began work on a space station to do NASA began work on a space station to do researchresearch

For 5 years NASA shuttled flights up and backFor 5 years NASA shuttled flights up and backIn 1986 they planned a highly publicized mission In 1986 they planned a highly publicized mission that included a grade school teacher by the name that included a grade school teacher by the name of Christy MacCauliffe of Christy MacCauliffe On January 28, 1986On January 28, 1986 seven crew members, seven crew members, including a New Hampshire schoolteacher, took off including a New Hampshire schoolteacher, took off aboard the Space Shuttle Caboard the Space Shuttle Challengerhallenger from from Kennedy Space Center. Kennedy Space Center.

Seventy-three seconds later, the shuttle Seventy-three seconds later, the shuttle disintegrated in the sky. All crew members, including disintegrated in the sky. All crew members, including New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, were New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, were killed while millions watched on live television. killed while millions watched on live television.

McAuliffe was selected from among more than McAuliffe was selected from among more than 11,000 teachers who applied for the Challenger 11,000 teachers who applied for the Challenger mission. She was chosen by NASA in 1984 and mission. She was chosen by NASA in 1984 and took a leave of absence that fall to train for the took a leave of absence that fall to train for the mission. mission. NASA put the shuttle program on hold after the NASA put the shuttle program on hold after the Challenger accident until 1988. The agency has Challenger accident until 1988. The agency has put the odds of a catastrophic accident during put the odds of a catastrophic accident during launch - the most dangerous part of any shuttle launch - the most dangerous part of any shuttle mission - at 1 in 438. mission - at 1 in 438.

Above: Photograph of the explosionBelow: The seven astronauts; McAuliffe front left

Mt. St. HelensMt. St. HelensAt 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, Washington eruptedMount St. Helens, Washington eruptedShaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalancherock debris avalanche

Nearly 230 square miles of forest was blown Nearly 230 square miles of forest was blown over or left dead and standingover or left dead and standing

At the same time a mushroom-shaped column At the same time a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell over eastern Washington dark, gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyondand beyond

The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within momentsdramatically changed within moments

In 1982 the President and Congress created In 1982 the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and Monument for research, recreation, and educationeducation

Mt. St. HelensMt. St. Helens

BEFORE

AFTER

Exxon ValdezExxon ValdezAt four minutes past midnight, on March 24, At four minutes past midnight, on March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez, loaded with 1,264,155 1989, the Exxon Valdez, loaded with 1,264,155 barrels of North Slope crude oil, ran aground barrels of North Slope crude oil, ran aground on Bligh Reef in the northeastern portion of on Bligh Reef in the northeastern portion of Prince William Sound Prince William Sound

About one-fifth of the total cargo, 10.8 million gallons, About one-fifth of the total cargo, 10.8 million gallons, spilled into the sea spilled into the sea

The probable cause of the spill was the failure of the The probable cause of the spill was the failure of the third mate to properly maneuver the vessel because third mate to properly maneuver the vessel because of fatigue and excessive workload of fatigue and excessive workload

The grounding of the Exxon Valdez prompted The grounding of the Exxon Valdez prompted both the state and federal governments to both the state and federal governments to significantly alter the laws, regulations and significantly alter the laws, regulations and strategies relating to oil pollution strategies relating to oil pollution

Above: Power washing oil off of rocks on the shore

Below: Bird covered in oil

Exxon ValdezExxon Valdez

Above: Oil washed ashore Top Right: Ships skimming oil off the surfaceBelow: Otter covered in oil Bottom Right: Oil washed ashore

Bird vs. MagicBird vs. MagicIn 1979 Bird was the star of the Indiana State In 1979 Bird was the star of the Indiana State Sycamores, something of a country bumpkin who, on Sycamores, something of a country bumpkin who, on the court, became an assassin, either as a shooter or a the court, became an assassin, either as a shooter or a passer. His brilliance was the main reason for Indiana passer. His brilliance was the main reason for Indiana State's 29-0 regular-season recordState's 29-0 regular-season record

Johnson was the star of the Michigan State Spartans, a Johnson was the star of the Michigan State Spartans, a skinny sophomore wizard of a ballhandler and passer skinny sophomore wizard of a ballhandler and passer

Magic Johnson and Michigan State locked up with Larry Magic Johnson and Michigan State locked up with Larry Bird and Indiana State for the 1979 national Bird and Indiana State for the 1979 national championship in Salt Lake Citychampionship in Salt Lake City

Bird, double- and triple-teamed, uncharacteristically Bird, double- and triple-teamed, uncharacteristically struggled with his shot, missing 14 of 21 shots. He finished struggled with his shot, missing 14 of 21 shots. He finished with 19 pointswith 19 points

Michigan State, with Johnson scoring a game-high 24 Michigan State, with Johnson scoring a game-high 24 points, won 75-64 in a game that lacked the drama of the points, won 75-64 in a game that lacked the drama of the buildup.buildup.

The two stars would go on to resuscitate a struggling The two stars would go on to resuscitate a struggling NBA and become two of the most memorable players in NBA and become two of the most memorable players in history. history.

The very next year Bird was the NBA's rookie of the year The very next year Bird was the NBA's rookie of the year with the Boston Celtics and Johnson the MVP of the NBA with the Boston Celtics and Johnson the MVP of the NBA Finals for the Los Angeles Lakers.Finals for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The year after that Bird led the Celtics to an NBA titleThe year after that Bird led the Celtics to an NBA title In all, eight NBA titles during the 1980s went to Johnson's In all, eight NBA titles during the 1980s went to Johnson's

Lakers (five) or Bird's Celtics (three)Lakers (five) or Bird's Celtics (three)

Magic vs. Bird pretty much defined a decade of pro Magic vs. Bird pretty much defined a decade of pro basketball as the two players redefined positions, basketball as the two players redefined positions, Johnson as an unheard-of 6-9 point guard, Bird as Johnson as an unheard-of 6-9 point guard, Bird as something of a point forwardsomething of a point forward

Eventually they would become friends and even Eventually they would become friends and even teammates on the 1992 gold medal U.S. Olympic teamteammates on the 1992 gold medal U.S. Olympic team

The ComputerThe ComputerIn 1981, the landmark announcement of the IBM PC In 1981, the landmark announcement of the IBM PC (personal computer) stunned the computing world(personal computer) stunned the computing world

The chairman of IBM is supposed to have looked at the original The chairman of IBM is supposed to have looked at the original PC and said that it would never fly - that mainframes would PC and said that it would never fly - that mainframes would dominate forever.dominate forever.

The original PC cost $3000, and came with 64 Kb of RAM, a The original PC cost $3000, and came with 64 Kb of RAM, a floppy disk drive and monochrome graphicsfloppy disk drive and monochrome graphics

It also came with It also came with DOSDOS, an operating system based on CP/M, an operating system based on CP/M In an effort to save time so that it could catch the early personal In an effort to save time so that it could catch the early personal

computer market, IBM chose to license DOS from the then tiny computer market, IBM chose to license DOS from the then tiny MicrosoftMicrosoft instead of writing its own operating system instead of writing its own operating system

For many years to come IBM would regret the decision not to write For many years to come IBM would regret the decision not to write its own PC operating systemits own PC operating system

In January 1984 the introduction of Apple's Macintosh In January 1984 the introduction of Apple's Macintosh computer, with its graphical user interface, generated even computer, with its graphical user interface, generated even more excitement than the IBM PC had three years earlier more excitement than the IBM PC had three years earlier In his junior year, Bill Gates left Harvard to devote his In his junior year, Bill Gates left Harvard to devote his energies to Microsoft, a company he had begun in 1975 energies to Microsoft, a company he had begun in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen. with his childhood friend Paul Allen.

Guided by a belief that the computer would be a valuable Guided by a belief that the computer would be a valuable tool on every office desktop and in every home, they tool on every office desktop and in every home, they began developing software for personal computers began developing software for personal computers

Above: 1981 IBM PC

Above: 1984 Apple MacIntoshBelow: Compaq portable computer

The 1988 Presidential ElectionThe 1988 Presidential Election

The 1988 Presidential election featured Vice-The 1988 Presidential election featured Vice-President George Bush vs. Massachusetts President George Bush vs. Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis governor Michael Dukakis

VP Bush promised Americans “VP Bush promised Americans “Read my lips, Read my lips, no new taxesno new taxes””

Happy with the job that President Reagan had Happy with the job that President Reagan had done American voters supported VP Bushdone American voters supported VP Bush

George Bush won the election with 426 of the George Bush won the election with 426 of the 527 possible electoral votes. 527 possible electoral votes.

VP George Bush (Rep.)

Gov. Michael Dukakis (Dem.)DukakisBush

The Berlin WallThe Berlin WallIn 1987 President Reagan made a trip to West In 1987 President Reagan made a trip to West Berlin and gave a speech for the 40Berlin and gave a speech for the 40thth anniversary of the Marshall Plan anniversary of the Marshall Plan

In this speech he made an infamous demand on In this speech he made an infamous demand on GorbachevGorbachev

““General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”down this wall!”

Secretary Gorbachev made efforts in 1988 to Secretary Gorbachev made efforts in 1988 to loosen the Soviet grip on East Germany and loosen the Soviet grip on East Germany and PolandPoland

He reduced the number of Soviet troops in He reduced the number of Soviet troops in Eastern EuropeEastern Europe

He allowed non-communist parties to organizeHe allowed non-communist parties to organize He encouraged these nations to move towards He encouraged these nations to move towards

democracydemocracy

Pres. Reagan speaking in front of the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin

The End of the Cold WarThe End of the Cold WarIn March of 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev became the general In March of 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev became the general secretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet Unionsecretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet UnionBecause of a flailing economy Gorbachev began to reform Because of a flailing economy Gorbachev began to reform the Soviet Unionthe Soviet Union

In a policy known as In a policy known as glasnost glasnost (Russian for openness) he allowed (Russian for openness) he allowed people to criticize the government & began to allow freedom of people to criticize the government & began to allow freedom of the Pressthe Press

In also called for In also called for perestroika; perestroika; a less a less government control of the economygovernment control of the economy

Knowing that better relations with Knowing that better relations with the U.S. would allow the Soviets the U.S. would allow the Soviets to reduce military spending to help the to reduce military spending to help the economy Gorbachev initiated a series economy Gorbachev initiated a series of arms limitations meetings of arms limitations meetings

The INF Treaty (Intermediate-Range The INF Treaty (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty) was signed on Nuclear Forces Treaty) was signed on December 8, 1987December 8, 1987

The Treaty eliminated two classes of The Treaty eliminated two classes of weapons systems from Europe & called weapons systems from Europe & called for each nation to make on-site for each nation to make on-site inspections of the other’s military installationsinspections of the other’s military installations

Mikhail Gorbachev

Pres. Ronald Reagan

V.P. Bush, Pres. Reagan, and Soviet Premier Gorbachev in N.Y.

The End of the Cold WarThe End of the Cold War

Fall of the Soviet UnionFall of the Soviet UnionGorbachev’s introduction of democratic Gorbachev’s introduction of democratic ideals led to a dramatic increase in ideals led to a dramatic increase in nationalism among the Soviet Union’s nationalism among the Soviet Union’s non-Russian republicsnon-Russian republicsBy December of 1991 14 non-Russian By December of 1991 14 non-Russian republics declared their independence republics declared their independence from the Soviet Unionfrom the Soviet UnionGorbachev resigned as the Soviet president in 1991 after Gorbachev resigned as the Soviet president in 1991 after reformers thought he was working too slowly towards a reformers thought he was working too slowly towards a democracydemocracyAfter 74 years the Soviet Union dissolvedAfter 74 years the Soviet Union dissolved

Boris Yeltsin took Gorbachev’s place & a loose Boris Yeltsin took Gorbachev’s place & a loose confederation of states was formed the CIS confederation of states was formed the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)(Commonwealth of Independent States)

Mikhail GorbachevBoris Yeltsin

The End of the Cold WarThe End of the Cold War

In February of 1992 President George In February of 1992 President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin issued a formal statement declaring an issued a formal statement declaring an end to the Cold War that had existed end to the Cold War that had existed between the two nations since 1945between the two nations since 1945

In January 1993 Yeltsin & Bush signed In January 1993 Yeltsin & Bush signed the START II pact that agree to cut the the START II pact that agree to cut the nuclear arsenals of the two nations by nuclear arsenals of the two nations by 75%75%

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall

In October of 1989 East Germans In October of 1989 East Germans shocked the world by shocked the world by speaking out speaking out against the communist governmentagainst the communist government

On November 9, 1989 East Germany On November 9, 1989 East Germany opened the Berlin Wall and allowed free opened the Berlin Wall and allowed free passage between the two parts of the passage between the two parts of the city for the first time in 28 years city for the first time in 28 years

East German guards stood by and East German guards stood by and watched as Berliners pounded away watched as Berliners pounded away with hammers and other tools at the wall with hammers and other tools at the wall

Communist EuropeCommunist EuropeSoon the wall was coming down not with Soon the wall was coming down not with picks & hammers but with cranes & picks & hammers but with cranes & bulldozersbulldozersIn early 1990 East Germany held it’s first In early 1990 East Germany held it’s first free elections and in October of 1990 East free elections and in October of 1990 East & West Germany were united& West Germany were unitedOther European nations adopted Other European nations adopted democratic reformdemocratic reform

Czechoslovakia withdrew from the Soviet blocCzechoslovakia withdrew from the Soviet bloc Baltic states Latvia, Estonia, & Lithuania Baltic states Latvia, Estonia, & Lithuania

declared their independence from U.S.S.R.declared their independence from U.S.S.R. Hungary, Bulgaria, & Romania changed Hungary, Bulgaria, & Romania changed

governmentsgovernments

The Yugoslavian government collapsed The Yugoslavian government collapsed with 6 of it’s republics succeeding with 6 of it’s republics succeeding

Ethnic rivalries turned into wars between Ethnic rivalries turned into wars between Muslims, Orthodox Serbs, and Roman Catholic Muslims, Orthodox Serbs, and Roman Catholic Croats Croats

Tiananmen SquareTiananmen Square

Tiananmen SquareTiananmen SquareIn the mid 1980’s China began to loosen In the mid 1980’s China began to loosen some economic restrictions some economic restrictions

Eliminated some price controls & business Eliminated some price controls & business restrictionsrestrictions

Student in China began to demand freedom Student in China began to demand freedom of speech and a greater voice in governmentof speech and a greater voice in governmentIn April 1989 university students in China In April 1989 university students in China held marches that quickly grew into a large held marches that quickly grew into a large demonstration in Beijing’s Tiananmen demonstration in Beijing’s Tiananmen SquareSquareIn Tiananmen Square Chinese students In Tiananmen Square Chinese students constructed a version of the Statue of Libertyconstructed a version of the Statue of Liberty

Chinese Premier Li Peng ordered the military Chinese Premier Li Peng ordered the military to crush the protesters to crush the protesters

The world watched on TV as Chinese forces The world watched on TV as Chinese forces stormed into Tiananmen Square and stormed into Tiananmen Square and slaughtered unarmed studentsslaughtered unarmed students

One student demonstrator remarked that One student demonstrator remarked that “The “The gov’t has won the battle here today. But they gov’t has won the battle here today. But they have lost the heart of the people.”have lost the heart of the people.”

Chinese PremierLi Peng

Above: Statue of Liberty raised in Tiananmen Sq.Below: View of the Protestors

Tiananmen SquareTiananmen SquareThe courage of these protesters was embodied in the actions of one student who boldly stood in front of a row of on coming tanks defying the government

Central AmericaCentral America

NicaraguaNicaraguaThe United States had been involved in the affairs of Nicaragua since 1912 & The United States had been involved in the affairs of Nicaragua since 1912 & had helped dictator Anastasio Somoza take powerhad helped dictator Anastasio Somoza take powerSomoza’s family ruled for 42 years rigging elections and assassinating Somoza’s family ruled for 42 years rigging elections and assassinating political rivalspolitical rivalsIn 1977-79 a civil war erupted in Nicaragua between Somoza’s army and the In 1977-79 a civil war erupted in Nicaragua between Somoza’s army and the SandinistasSandinistas

Sandinistas were a rebel group named after a rebel leader named Sandino who Sandinistas were a rebel group named after a rebel leader named Sandino who died in 1934died in 1934

The Sandinistas won & President Carter sent $83 million in economic aid as The Sandinistas won & President Carter sent $83 million in economic aid as did the Soviets & Cubadid the Soviets & CubaIn 1981 Pres. Reagan believed that the Sandinistas were tied too closely with In 1981 Pres. Reagan believed that the Sandinistas were tied too closely with the Soviets and were trying to spread revolution to the rest of Central Americathe Soviets and were trying to spread revolution to the rest of Central America

Pres. Reagan began to support a guerrilla force known as the Pres. Reagan began to support a guerrilla force known as the ContrasContras because because they were against communismthey were against communism

The CIA began to direct operations in Nicaragua for the Contras who had The CIA began to direct operations in Nicaragua for the Contras who had grown to nearly 10,000 mengrown to nearly 10,000 men

All this without congressional approvalAll this without congressional approval Congress passed an amendment banning military aid to the Congress passed an amendment banning military aid to the

Contras for 2 years (Boland Amendment)Contras for 2 years (Boland Amendment)

Pres. Reagan’s administration found ways to circumvent Pres. Reagan’s administration found ways to circumvent this ban & continue support of the Contrasthis ban & continue support of the Contras

In Feb. of 1990 Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega In Feb. of 1990 Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega allowed free elections and a Contra supporter was elected allowed free elections and a Contra supporter was elected the nations new President and the Sandinistas agreed to the nations new President and the Sandinistas agreed to work together to rebuild Nicaraguawork together to rebuild Nicaragua

Nicaragua PresidentDaniel Ortega

PanamaPanamaIn 1989 President Bush sent more than In 1989 President Bush sent more than 20,000 soldier and marines into Panama 20,000 soldier and marines into Panama to overthrow and arrest General Manuel to overthrow and arrest General Manuel Noriega on charges of drug traffickingNoriega on charges of drug trafficking

The CIA had been giving Noriega money The CIA had been giving Noriega money since 1960since 1960

A Miami grand jury had indicted Noriega A Miami grand jury had indicted Noriega and he was flown there to stand trialand he was flown there to stand trialIn April of 1992 Noriega was found guilty In April of 1992 Noriega was found guilty and sentenced to 40 years in prisonand sentenced to 40 years in prisonThis had mixed reaction around the This had mixed reaction around the worldworld

Many Latin American governments were Many Latin American governments were upset at the “Yankee imperialism” upset at the “Yankee imperialism”

Most Americans and Panamanians were Most Americans and Panamanians were pleased by the removal of a military dictator pleased by the removal of a military dictator who supported drug smugglingwho supported drug smuggling

Iran-Contra AffairIran-Contra AffairIn 1983 terrorist groups loyal to Iran took a number of In 1983 terrorist groups loyal to Iran took a number of Americans hostage in LebanonAmericans hostage in LebanonPres. Reagan denounced Iran and urged U.S. Allies Pres. Reagan denounced Iran and urged U.S. Allies not to sell arms to Iran for it’s war against Iraqnot to sell arms to Iran for it’s war against IraqAmericans were then shocked to learn in 1986 that Americans were then shocked to learn in 1986 that the U.S. had been secretly selling arms to the the U.S. had been secretly selling arms to the Iranians to secure the release of the Americans from Iranians to secure the release of the Americans from the pro-Iranian terrorists the pro-Iranian terrorists

They were using the profits from the illegal sale of arms They were using the profits from the illegal sale of arms to support the Contras in Nicaragua to support the Contras in Nicaragua

In violation of the Boland AmendmentIn violation of the Boland Amendment

In the summer of 1987 special committees of both In the summer of 1987 special committees of both houses of congress conducted televised hearings houses of congress conducted televised hearings

Lt. Colonel Oliver North a member of the NSC staff Lt. Colonel Oliver North a member of the NSC staff played a key role providing aide to the Contrasplayed a key role providing aide to the Contras

Oliver North was found guilty along with several Oliver North was found guilty along with several members of the Reagan administrationmembers of the Reagan administration

North was given a stiff fine & community serviceNorth was given a stiff fine & community service

Lt. Colonel Oliver North

Lt. North testifying to the Congressional Investigative committee

Iran-Contra AffairIran-Contra Affair

The Persian Gulf WarThe Persian Gulf WarIran and Iraq’s prolonged war cost Iran and Iraq’s prolonged war cost Iraq a lot of moneyIraq a lot of moneySaddam Hussein soon found Saddam Hussein soon found himself with an enormous war himself with an enormous war debtsdebtsTo try to pay these debts off To try to pay these debts off Saddam Hussein claimed that Saddam Hussein claimed that the oil rich nation of Kuwait was the oil rich nation of Kuwait was part of Iraqpart of IraqOn August 2, 1990 Iraqi troops On August 2, 1990 Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait invaded Kuwait looting it & then looting it & then began to head towards Saudi began to head towards Saudi ArabiaArabia