Questions and Answers
What is conservatism?
What were the core beliefs of the 1980s conservative movement?
Religion provides moral guidance, state government power, minimal government intervention in the economy, strong military.
What are key characteristics of Reaganomics?
Supply-Side economics, high interest rates, military spending.
Which of the following are positive effects of Reaganomics?
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How did Reaganomics differ from the New Deal and Great Society?
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How did conservative policies impact inner cities and the AIDS crisis in the 1980s?
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What was the key principle of Reagan's foreign policy?
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What caused the Cold War to end?
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How did George Bush's economic policies differ from Reagan's?
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Why did the U.S. intervene in the Middle East during Desert Storm?
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Why was Bill Clinton able to defeat George Bush in 1992?
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Study Notes
Conservatism
- Emphasizes traditional values and resistance to change and innovation.
- Reaganomics exemplified conservatism with tax cuts aimed at the wealthy, intending to stimulate economic growth through a trickle-down effect.
- Resulted in a significant wealth gap between social classes despite the intent.
Core Beliefs of the 1980s Conservative Movement
- Advocated for moral guidance from religion to address social issues.
- Stressed the importance of state power over federal intervention and a strong military as national defense.
- Organizations like the Moral Majority mobilized conservative voters, especially in suburban areas focused on tax cuts and inflation control.
- Televangelists played a role in registering Christian voters, boosting the conservative coalition.
Reaganomics
- Key tenets included supply-side economics, characterized by tax cuts and high military spending.
- Positive outcomes: inflation reduction, job creation, and fewer risky loans.
- Negative consequences: rising national debt, persistent wealth inequality, and stagnant disposable income.
Comparison to New Deal and Great Society
- Similarities: job creation, increased federal debt, expanded government size and entitlement programs.
- Differences: Reaganomics reduced government regulations and failed to provide support for impoverished populations.
Impact of Conservative Policies on Inner Cities and AIDS Crisis
- AIDS stigma led to delayed government action and public health responses due to traditional conservative values opposing the gay community.
- Social welfare cuts during the 1980s negatively impacted urban poor, hindering job training, nutrition, and essential social services.
- Resulted in worsening living conditions and expanded wealth disparity.
Ronald Reagan's Foreign Policy
- Advocated for "peace through strength," increasing military and nuclear capabilities to challenge the Soviet Union.
- Supported anti-communist rebels globally, including interventions in Afghanistan, Grenada, and Nicaragua.
- Created controversy during the Iran-Contra Scandal involving illegal arms sales to fund Nicaraguan rebels.
End of the Cold War
- Soviet efforts to match U.S. military spending weakened their economy.
- Gorbachev's policies of perestroika and glasnost aimed at reforming the economy and allowing political openness.
- Resulted in revolutions in Eastern Europe, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the dissolution of the Communist party in Russia.
George Bush's Economic Policies
- Faced economic recession and rising federal debt, leading to tax increases to manage government spending.
- This contrasted with Reagan's tax policies, demonstrating a shift in economic approach.
U.S. Intervention in the Middle East (Desert Storm)
- Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait raised concerns over potential threats to Saudi Arabia's oil reserves.
- U.S. intervention aimed to protect Kuwait's sovereignty and maintain stability in the region, successfully repelling Iraqi forces.
Bill Clinton's Victory Over George Bush in 1992
- Economic recession and rising unemployment undermined Bush's popularity, contributing to his electoral defeat.
- Bush's tax increases further alienated voters, paving the way for Clinton’s success.
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Description
Test your knowledge of U.S. History with these flashcards focusing on key concepts from Unit 11. Explore terms like conservatism and the 1980s conservative movement, along with their definitions and relevance. Perfect for students aiming to deepen their understanding of American political history.
