The Age of Reagan
Most of us have lived much of our lives in the “Age of Reagan,” a period which dates from 1980 and which may still be ongoing today. Historians increasingly agree that the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 represented a “revolution” in American society and, particularly, its politics. Review Reagan’s presidential career to explain what about it precisely was so “revolutionary.” Compare his approach to politics and foreign affairs with those of his predecessors, and assess the ways that his successors either built upon or attempted to reverse his legacy. Explain why so many Americans opposed Reagan’s policies and those of his successors. Consider also the social and cultural changes which took place during the Age of Reagan. Finally, assess the success of the “Reagan Revolution” by identifying which problems it ameliorated and which it exacerbated. In your response, consider THREE of the following topics, with regard to how both Reagan and his successors handled or contributed to them:
The economy
The federal debt
Federal regulation
Social welfare
Public health
Race relations
Gender equality
Foreign affairs
To summarize your response, answer the following questions:
How revolutionary was the Reagan Revolution and how was it revolutionary?
In what ways was it beneficial to the American nation and in what ways was it detrimental?
Did the positives outweigh the negatives or vice versa?
Did the Reagan Revolution make the American nation more united or more divided?
What cultural issues caused the most friction during the Age of Reagan?
Is the Age of Reagan still underway?
When writing your response, draw from material in the following video:
Powerplay: End of the empire
Also, draw from at least THREE of the documents listed below:
“Equal rights are not special”: Advocates call for an end to anti-gay employment discrimination
Experimenting with our liberties
Address to Congress
Address to the Republican national convention
Oklahoma bombing memorial prayer service address
Address at the NAACP on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
Testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee
“There’s been no real creative response”: Ted Houghton on homelessness in New York City
Address to the Democratic national convention
Roe v. Wade majority decision
Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length.
……………………..Answer preview………………….
The Reagan era was very revolutionary as it brought significant changes to the American society that proved very instrumental in aiding the nation to stamp its authority as a global power. With regard to foreign affairs, he played a major role if fighting communist forces that threatened US ideals. Reagan took a tough stance against the Soviet Union…………………….
APA
346 words
