History Critical Thinking Samples

HISTORY 110 QUESTION 6QUESTION: What expectations influenced Americans who chose to vote for Ronald Reagan? What is "Reaganomics," and what were the outcomes of Reagan's economic policies for the economy and society? Furthermore, how much of a conservative revolution took place during the Reagan presidency? Would you rank him as one of the greatest presidents of the twentieth century or has his legacy been over-glorified? Barack Obama was shrewd enough to note that Reagan was a transformative president, who left an impact because his star power and deep convictions along with political skills. When Reagan made his national debut, the transformations were favoring conservatives. The business community had become increasingly resistant, and the white southerners too shared the views with the civil rights laws of the 1960s enforced.Reagan launched an independent campaign for the presidency and surveys showed that while Reagan was strong in the South, he needed votes of moderates in the North. Carter's strategy was to portray Reagan as an "extremist, but he seemed to have overplayed his tactics. There were a number of incidents, like the Mississippi incident, or when Reagan wrongly linked President Carter to the Ku Klux Klan, and the swelling effect of these events raised questions about Reagan's competency. Still, with Carter overplayed his hand, denouncing Reagan and meanwhile, the Reagan campaign rebounded, where Nancy played a key role. The voters were quick to note the serious policy differences between Reagan and Carter on both foreign and domestic issues. Reagan’s muscular stance towards the Soviet Union and his opposition to SALT II warned the Soviets against making in the Middle East. Carter promised protection on abortion rights and support for environmental regulations 'Reaganomics' is a popular term that reflects the economic policies of Ronald Reagan. There was decreased social spending with a deregulation of domestic markets, followed by widespread tax cuts, and increased military spending. Based on the principles of the trickle-down theory and supply-side economics, the economic programs activated while the Reagan administration led to low inflation and large budget deficits. The economic approach of President Reagan's was different from many previous Presidents. We find both support and criticism for 'Reaganomics'.During the Reagan years, we find the US to be -Iraq in its war against Iran. Although US denounced terrorism, weapons were sold to Iran in order to build funds for a terrorist war in Nicaragua. Reagan did appoint Antonin Scalia, one of the judges appointed by George W. Bush, but he also appointed Sandra Day O'Connor, the inflexible realist who postponed the conservative revolution for a generation. The biggest myth about Reagan is about taxes and spending, and the deficit of $74 billion rose to 141 billion when he left office. Reagan was successful in cutting down taxes and spending, but was not able to manage the deficit. The national debt soared by almost two-thirds as a result.Reagan was much more skilful than Nixon and built an image of powerful conservative ideological movement. He appealed to the fear that the Democrats did not have the answers, and the society was spinning out of control. American pinned their hope on the conservative that they believed could restore prosperity and promise to reinstate law and order.Reagan's first four years saw expenditures on education and training, civilian research, public works, etc. drop down by forty percent. He claimed that the government entitlement programs were a constant drain on the budget. He didn't succeed completely, but did manage to wear down public enthusiasm for social spending.Most Americans look at Ronald Reagan as one of the highest regarded presidents of the twentieth century. History may look upon Reagan as a great president, and his greatness lies more in his readiness to discard his conservative principles when needed. By making shared cause with the enemy, he was able to convey a smashing blow to communism. If he has given heed to his critics, the Cold War will not have ended, and Soviet empire would have perhaps never collapsed. Reagan never snubbed allies or demonized his enemies. He became one of the most prominent political leaders and his period of presidency led to social, ideological, and political impact. Partly it was because of good timing when the Americans showed dissatisfaction over the economy, society, and politics of the country. The first reason behind Reagan's success was his optimistic outlook and reorganize traditional American conservatism. The core assumptions of the Reagan Revolution were based on the idea that America is good for the world, and lower taxes will promote economic growth and a freer market will solve problems, while peace can be achieved through military strength.