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The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution, 1980–1989

Brody Powell

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The Age of Reagan was a period of significant political, economic, and social change in the United States. It began with the election of Ronald Reagan to the presidency in 1980 and ended with his departure from office in 1989. During this time, Reagan implemented a number of conservative policies that had a profound impact on the country.

Reaganomics

Reaganomics was the economic program implemented by Reagan. It was based on the principles of supply-side economics, which argues that reducing taxes and regulations will stimulate economic growth. Reaganomics included tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in the size of the government.

The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989

by Steven F. Hayward

4.5 out of 5

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Reaganomics had a number of positive effects on the economy. It helped to reduce inflation, increase economic growth, and create jobs. However, it also led to a significant increase in the national debt.

Foreign Policy

Reagan pursued a hawkish foreign policy during his presidency. He increased military spending, provided support to anti-communist governments around the world, and took a hard line against the Soviet Union.

Reagan's foreign policy had a number of successes. He helped to bring about the end of the Cold War, and he played a key role in the defeat of communism in Eastern Europe.

Social Policy

Reagan was a social conservative. He opposed abortion and same-sex marriage, and he supported school prayer. He also sought to reduce the size and scope of the welfare state.

Reagan's social policies were controversial. His opponents argued that they were unfair to the poor and disadvantaged. However, Reagan's supporters argued that they were necessary to promote traditional values and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Legacy

Reagan left office with high approval ratings. He is generally considered to be one of the most successful presidents in American history. His policies had a profound impact on the country, and they continue to be debated today.

Alternate Attributes

* Reaganomics: supply-side economics, tax cuts, deregulation, reduced government size * Foreign Policy: hawkish, increased military spending, support for anti-communist governments, hard line against Soviet Union * Social Policy: social conservative, opposed abortion and same-sex marriage, supported school prayer, reduced welfare state * Legacy: high approval ratings, considered one of the most successful presidents in American history

# Additional Information

## Key Events of the Reagan Era

* 1981: Assassination attempt on Reagan * 1983: Invasion of Grenada * 1984: Reagan re-elected to a second term * 1986: Iran-Contra Affair * 1987: Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) * 1989: Berlin Wall falls

## Key Figures of the Reagan Era

* Ronald Reagan: President of the United States * George H. W. Bush: Vice President of the United States * Nancy Reagan: First Lady of the United States * James Baker: Secretary of State * Caspar Weinberger: Secretary of Defense * Donald Regan: Chief of Staff

## Impact of the Reagan Era

The Reagan Era had a profound impact on the United States. It helped to bring about the end of the Cold War, and it ushered in an era of economic growth and prosperity. However, it also led to a significant increase in the national debt and a widening of the gap between rich and poor.

The legacy of the Reagan Era is still being debated today. Some argue that Reagan's policies were a success, while others argue that they were a failure. Ultimately, the impact of the Reagan Era will be determined by the historians of the future.

The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989

by Steven F. Hayward

4.5 out of 5