UNIT 5
Decades of Change
LESSON 7
Politics in the 1980s and Beyond
The 1980s was a decade of significant political change in the United States. Following the social and economic turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s, many Americans were looking for a new direction and a return to traditional values. This desire for change helped usher in a conservative era, spearheaded by the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
Reagan, who served as president from 1981 to 1989, was a staunch conservative who believed in small government, low taxes, and a strong military. He promised to restore American confidence and promote economic growth through his policies, which included cutting taxes and reducing government spending.
One of Reagan's most significant achievements was the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which simplified the tax code and lowered rates for many Americans. He also worked to deregulate industries such as banking and telecommunications, which he believed would lead to greater competition and innovation.
Reagan's foreign policy was marked by an aggressive stance against the Soviet Union, which he famously referred to as the "evil empire." He increased military spending and supported anti-communist movements around the world, such as the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Reagan's tough stance is credited with helping to bring about the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.
The 1980s was also a time of social change, particularly in the areas of civil rights and gender equality. The decade saw the passage of several landmark laws, including the Civil Rights Restoration Act, which strengthened protections against discrimination, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which required businesses and public spaces to be accessible to people with disabilities.
The women's movement also gained momentum in the 1980s, as more women entered the workforce and fought for equal rights and opportunities. The Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in 1973, continued to be a contentious issue, with many conservatives seeking to overturn it.
Overall, the political and social changes of the 1980s paved the way for continued debate and progress in the decades that followed.