How revolutionary was the Reagan Revolution and how was it revolutionary?
The presidency of Ronald Reagan was known as the “Reagan Revolution.” How revolutionary it was depends on the opinion of the people. During his presidency, President Reagan caused some political realignment in the United States of America, and all over the world, as well. Reagan’s administration, credited with the fall of the Soviet Union, and the end of Cold war. President Reagan led the uni-polar world associated with a superpower of the United States.
He gained a 64 percent approval rating after his term as the president, and this rating was one of the highest ratings for a president who officially left an office or as the term ended. As he once said, “The task I have set forth will long outlive our generation. However, together we have come through the worst. Let us begin a major effort to secure the best, a crusade for freedom with faith and fortitude for the future generation. For the sake of justice and peace, let us move to a world that every person is at least free to determine his own destiny” . This message motivated the people, and it was one of his great connections with the people.
In what ways was, it beneficial to the American nation and in what ways was it detrimental?
The presidency of Reagan changed the attitudes of the Americans toward the government, the country, and the world. He restored the faith of the people and the nation. He defended the people against the Soviet Union. In addition, he was an advocate of the civil rights, women equality, and environment movements.
Did the positives outweigh the negatives or vice versa?
President Reagan left a legacy of values worthy of reviving. The Reagan Revolution was a philosophy that governed the entire nation as a movement politically. The greatest thing accomplished and given by Reagan was the superb legacy of his being, the good image that inspired the every American to inspire the people in the next generation.
Did the Reagan Revolution make the American nation more united or more divided?
Reagan reshaped the agenda and political language of the people effectively compared to any president before him. For example, his economic program known as supply-side economics, Americans were inspired at all income levels and worked harder, and earned more. Since most people benefitted from the increased profits and the growing economy, I would say that the nation were more united.
What cultural issues caused the most friction during the Age of Reagan?
One of the cultural issues caused the most friction during the presidency of Reagan was his being close-minded about the lesbian and gay perspective. As an old-fashioned and a straight man, President Reagan does not believe that being a gay is a choice. For many, the view that somehow shows opposition to lesbians and gays is the violation of the rights of a person.
Is the Age of Reagan still underway?
I think a sort of motivation and inspiration in the present generation and continually remain a legend until the next generation. Being the most influential and highest rating approval of the people, there is no doubt that some of President Reagan’s principles is still in the system.
Reference
Carter, J. (1979, July 15). A crisis of confidence. Retrieved from
http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/carter-confidence.htm.
Florescu, J. I., Johnson, B. (Producers), Isbouts, J., Johnson, B. D. (Writers), & Johnson, B. D.
(Director). (1998). Powerplay: End of the empire [Television series episode]. Inside the Cold War with Sir David Frost. Los Angeles, CA: Porchlight Entertainment & David Paradine Television. Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/OnDemandEmbed.aspx?Token=8398&aid=18596&Plt=FOD&loid=0&w=640&h=480&ref=
Reagan, R. (1982, June 8). Address to British Parliament. Retrieved from
http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/reagan-parliament.htm.