Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. All Rights Reserved

America: Pathways to the Present: Cambridge Ed.
1980-2000
Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as

Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. All rights reserved.
Theme 1: Roots of the New Conservatism

Reagans Second Term
The George H. W. Bush
Politics in Presidency
Recent Years
Theme 2: Americans in the New Millennium

Theme 3: The Reagan Revolution
Theme 4: The United States in a
New World
Theme 1
Government and the People

Roots of the New Conservatism

Chapter 26, Section 1
What were the major events in Ronald Reagans

political career?
How did conservatism evolve in the years between the
1930s and the 1970s?
Why did the 1980 election mark a turning point in
United States history?
Reagans Political Career

When Ronald Reagan began his career as a movie actor in

Hollywood, he became actively involved in the political
affairs of the actors union.
Originally, Reagan considered himself a Democrat.
However, he found himself less comfortable with the
Democratic Party after World War II, and joined the
Republican Party in the 1950s.
Reagan was elected governor of California in 1966. During
his eight years as governor, Reagan eliminated Californias
budget deficit by modestly increasing taxes, cutting
funding to social programs, and reforming state spending.
Reagan became popular both for his likeable personality
and his conservative values.
The Evolution of Conservatism

Historical Background: Conservatism 1930s1980

New Deal
Opponents
Critics of the 1930s New Deal programs argued that the nation
could not afford the high federal spending involved in the New
Deal. The American Liberty League, formed in 1934, advocated
individual and property rights.
From Eisenhower
to Goldwater
President Dwight D. Eisenhower accepted the basic outlines of

the New Deal, keeping and expanding the federal bureaucracy.
In 1964, Republican Senator Barry Goldwater ran for President
on a conservative agenda, winning the votes of some southern
states.
President Lyndon B. Johnsons Great Society program in the
1960s extended New Deal reforms. Programs such as Medicare
and Medicaid improved life for many Americans but cost billions
of dollars annually.
The Great Society
Nixon and the

Welfare State
When Richard Nixon became President in 1968, he aimed to

reduce spending on social welfare programs. However, the
federal government continued to grow during Nixons presidency.
Issues of the New Conservatism

Social Issues
Conservatives were disturbed
by rock musics increasingly
shocking lyrics as well as
rising illegal drug use.
A new wave of often violent
student riots provided
another cause of concern for
conservatives.
Many conservatives were
critical of the sexual
revolution and the womens
movement.
Civil Rights
Although most people
supported the desegregation
of public schools, many
parents questioned why their
students had to be bused to
distant schools.
Many Democrats who
objected to affirmative action
moved their support to the
Republican Party. These
Reagan Democrats would
help Republicans win many
victories in the 1980s.
Turning Point: The Election of 1980

By 1980, conservative groups had formed a powerful

political coalition called the New Right. The New Right
wanted to improve the economy and reduce the size of
government by cutting spending on social programs.
One group on the New Right included evangelists such as
Jerry Falwell of Virginia. Using a new format called
televangelism, Falwell and others appealed to television
viewers to contribute money to their campaign.
During the 1980 election, Ronald Reagan criticized
incumbent opponent Jimmy Carters handling of the
economy.
Reagan won the election by a landslide. Republicans also
gained a majority in the Senate.

Assessment
Which of these phrases best describes Reagan Democrats?

(A) Nixon supporters who favored smaller government
(B) Conservatives who were critical of the womens movement
(C) Republicans who joined the Democratic Party
(D) Democrats who objected to affirmative action
What was the New Right?
(A) A group consisting only of televangelists
(B) An offshoot of the American Liberty League
(C) A coalition of conservative groups
(D) A group in favor of higher government spending

Assessment
Which of these phrases best describes Reagan Democrats?

(A) Nixon supporters who favored smaller government
(B) Conservatives who were critical of the womens movement
(C) Republicans who joined the Democratic Party
(D) Democrats who objected to affirmative action
What was the New Right?
(A) A group consisting only of televangelists
(B) An offshoot of the American Liberty League
(C) A coalition of conservative groups
(D) A group in favor of higher government spending
Reagans Second Term

In what ways did the United States experience a

renewal of patriotism in the 1980s?
What were some important social debates that
continued through Reagans term in office?
How did the economy evolve during the 1980s?
How did Reagans hands-off style of governing lead to
problems?
What was the legacy of Reagans presidency?
Patriotic Renewal
Reagan was reelected President in 1984, winning a

landslide victory over Democratic opponent Walter
Mondale.
Numerous events during Reagans second term celebrated
a renewal of patriotism. These included American victories
in the 1984 Olympic Games, which took place in Los
Angeles; the centennial of the Statue of Liberty in 1986; and
the 200th anniversary of the Constitution in 1987.
Continuing Social Debates

Continuing Social Debates

Civil Rights
The number of African American elected officials rose

dramatically during the 1980s, and Martin Luther King, Jr.s
birthday became a national holiday. However, Reagan appointed
federal judges who were less sympathetic to civil rights goals,
and resistance to affirmative action programs rose.
The Womens
Movement
As women gained access to new opportunities, opposition to the

womens movement grew. The proposed Equal Rights
Amendment failed to gain approval, and anti-abortion groups
protested the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling.
Sexual Orientation
The campaign for homosexual rights presented another

controversial issue. The spread of AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, caused alarm.
Conservatives on
the Supreme Court
Reagan appointed conservative judges Sandra Day OConnor and

Antonin Scalia to the Supreme Court. He also raised conservative
Justice William Rehnquist to the position of Chief Justice.
An Evolving Economy
Americas farmers suffered setbacks during the 1980s.

Oversupply and falling prices put many farmers in debt.
Federal aid helped farmers for the short term but failed to
address underlying problems.
A decline in the manufacturing industry caused many
workers to lose their jobs. In most cases, workers found
new jobs in other industries, as the United States economy
shifted away from manufacturing.
Under Reagan, wealthy Americans flourished while
individuals wages declined. By the late 1980s, wealth was
more unevenly distributed than at any time since the end of
World War II.
Reagans Hands-off Style

The S & L Scandal

Reagan favored less government
regulation of the economy.
Some savings and loan banks
(often called S & Ls) took
advantage of new laws to make
risky investments with
depositors savings.
When hundreds of S & Ls failed,
taxpayers had to make up the
billions of dollars lost.
A number of bank officials were
prosecuted for their role in the
scandal and for their efforts to
cover it up.
The Iran-Contra Affair

In Nicaragua, the United States
secretly supported guerrillas
known as Contras against the
ruling Marxist Sandinistas. This
policy violated American laws on
international intervention.
Congress discovered this
violation and, in 1984, cut off aid
to the Contras.
In what became known as the
Iran-Contra affair, some
government officials secretly
continued supporting the Contras
using profits from arms sales to
Iran.
The Reagan Legacy

Foreign Policy Success

Relations between the United
States and the Soviet Union
improved during Reagans
second term.
Reagan developed a close
relationship with Soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev, who
advocated policies of political
and economic openness called
glasnost and perestroika.
The 1987 Intermediate-Range
Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
provided for the destruction of
thousands of American and
Soviet missiles in Europe.
Domestic Policy Initiatives

Payments for entitlements, or
programs such as Social
Security, Medicare, and Medicaid,
which guarantee payments to a
particular group of recipients,
grew faster than policymakers
had expected.
Investor fears about budget
deficits and rising national debt
led to a stock market crash in
1987.
Despite these setbacks, many
Americans viewed Reagans two
terms in office as a time of
national pride and confidence.
Reagans Second TermAssessment

Which of the following declined during Reagans presidency?

(A) Relations with the Soviet Union
(B) Opportunities for women
(C) Jobs in manufacturing
(D) Payment for entitlements
What was the Iran-Contra affair?
(A) A scandal in which many S & Ls lost investments
(B) The secret use of arms-sale profits to support guerrillas
(C) Reagans nomination of conservatives to the Supreme Court
(D) A treaty calling for destruction of missiles in Europe
Reagans Second TermAssessment

Which of the following declined during Reagans presidency?

(A) Relations with the Soviet Union
(B) Opportunities for women
(C) Jobs in manufacturing
(D) Payment for entitlements
What was the Iran-Contra affair?
(A) A scandal in which many S & Ls lost investments
(B) The secret use of arms-sale profits to support guerrillas
(C) Reagans nomination of conservatives to the Supreme Court
(D) A treaty calling for destruction of missiles in Europe
The George H. W. Bush Presidency

What challenges did George Bush face in the 1988

presidential election?
How did the Cold War come to an end?
In what ways did the United States play a new
international role after the end of the Cold War?
What effect did domestic issues have on Bushs
presidency?
The 1988 Election

Republican Vice President George H. W. Bush began the

1988 campaign far behind his opponent, Governor Michael
Dukakis of Massachusetts.
Bush campaigned promising no new taxes and aired
television advertisements that attacked Dukakiss records
on crime, the economy, and environmental issues.
Many voters felt that neither candidate addressed the major
issues facing the country. Bush won a solid victory but
failed to gain the mandate Reagan had enjoyed.
Politics in Recent Years

What led to Bill Clintons election in 1992, and

what issues did he tackle during his first term?
Why did Republicans issue a Contract with
America?
What scandals were debated during Clintons
second term?
What were the results of the 2000 election, and
what goals did the new President set?
The 1992 Election

The Candidates
President George H. W. Bush,
a Republican, sought a
second term.
Texas billionaire H. Ross
Perot, an independent
candidate, entered the race
out of frustration over
government economic
policies.
Arkansas Governor Bill
Clinton, a Democrat, pledged
to address the nations
economic problems.
Campaign Issues
Clinton campaigned on the
belief that government was
necessary but that it should
be made smaller and more
efficient.
Character issues, including
reports of a past affair,
marred Clintons campaign.
Nonetheless, he won the
election with 43 percent of
the votes.
Clintons First Term

Economic Reform
Clinton tried to follow a
middle course in dealing with
the economy.
To reduce the deficit, Clinton
proposed a budget including
both spending cuts and tax
increases. Congress passed
the budget, but just barely.
Neither the spending cuts nor
the tax increases were well
received by the public.
The Battle Over Healthcare

When Clinton took office,
many Americans lacked
access to affordable
healthcare.
Clinton proposed the creation
of a government-supervised
health insurance program
that would guarantee
affordable coverage to every
American.
Despite popular support for
healthcare reform, Clintons
proposal failed to gain the
necessary votes in Congress.
The Republicans Contract with America

Contract With America

During the 1994 midterm elections, Georgia Representative Newt Gingrich called on
Republican candidates to endorse a Contract with America, a pledge to scale back the
role of the federal government, eliminate some regulations, cut taxes, and balance the
budget.
Congress Versus the President
During that election, Republicans won majorities in both houses of Congress. They
proposed cuts in many social services to balance the budget. The debate turned from
whether or not to balance the budget to how to balance it.
The Government Is Shut Down
At the end of 1995, Clinton and Gingrich were unable to compromise on budget issues. As a
result, budget allocations expired without reauthorization, leading to the temporary closure
of government offices and disruption of services to many Americans.
Welfare Reform
In August 1996, Congress and Clinton agreed on a sweeping reform of the nations
welfare system. The new law eliminated federal guarantees of cash assistance, gave
more authority to states, and placed limits on the length of time Americans could
receive welfare.
Clintons Second Term

Clinton won reelection in 1996, defeating Republican Bob Dole

and Ross Perot of the newly created Reform Party.
A strong economy improved Clintons popularity. In 1998, the
government achieved its first budget surplus since 1969.
Charges of scandal continued during Clintons second term. In
what came to be known as the Whitewater affair, Clinton was
accused of having taken part in fraudulent loans and land deals in
Arkansas years earlier.
A further scandal arose when Clinton denied a sexual relationship
with a White House intern. In December 1998, the House voted to
impeach Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
In the Senate trial which followed, Clinton was acquitted.
The 2000 Election

The mixture of a strong economy and a scandal-ridden presidency

promised a close presidential election in 2000. Vice President Al
Gore ran for the Democrats, while the Republicans nominated
Texas Governor George W. Bush.
Pre-election polls showed Gore and Bush virtually tied. On
election night, votes in several states were too close to call.
One undecided state, Florida, could give either candidate enough
electoral votes to win the presidency. Lawyers, politicians, and the
media swarmed to Florida to monitor a recount of votes there.
A series of court battles eventually reached the Supreme Court,
which voted 54 to stop the Florida recounts, awarding the states
electoral votes to Bush.
Although Gore had won the popular vote, Bush won the election
by 271 electoral votes to Gores 266.
The George W. Bush Administration

Change in Presidential Style

Bushs approach to the
presidency differed from that
of Clinton.
Bush preferred a more formal
atmosphere in the White
House and began keeping a
stricter schedule than the
former President.
Advisors, staff members, and
the Vice President, Dick
Cheney, were granted more
responsibility for setting
policy under Bushs
administration.
Bush on Domestic Policy

Early in his presidency, Bush
received congressional
approval for a tax cut that
granted most taxpayers a
$300 rebate.
Bush also proposed an
education reform bill that
called for redirected funding
and increased accountability
from schools.
Politics in Recent YearsAssessment

What was the Contract with America?

(A) Bill Clintons proposal to reduce the deficit
(B) Bushs new approach to the presidency
(C) The American bombing campaign in Afghanistan
(D) A Republican pledge to scale back the federal government
What was the Supreme Courts role in the 2000 election?
(A) Bringing lawyers, politicians, and the media to Florida
(B) Deciding whether to continue the recount in Florida
(C) Counting votes in states too close to call
(D) Deliberating on results of pre-election polls
Politics in Recent YearsAssessment

What was the Contract with America?

(A) Bill Clintons proposal to reduce the deficit
(B) Bushs new approach to the presidency
(C) The American bombing campaign in Afghanistan
(D) A Republican pledge to scale back the federal government
What was the Supreme Courts role in the 2000 election?
(A) Bringing lawyers, politicians, and the media to Florida
(B) Deciding whether to continue the recount in Florida
(C) Counting votes in states too close to call
(D) Deliberating on results of pre-election polls
Theme 2
Who are the Americans

Americans in the New Millennium

What factors contributed to the growing diversity of

the nations population?
In what ways did Americans disagree over how to
make diversity work?
How did the technological revolution at the end of the
twentieth century affect American life?
What was the impact of the expanding global
economy?
A Nation of Diversity
Changes to immigration policies contributed to Americas growing

diversity. The Immigration Act of 1990 increased immigration
quotas by 40 percent and erased restrictions which had denied
entrance to many people in the past.
The 2000 Census revealed dramatic growth and change in the
Latino population. Latinos surpassed African Americans as the
countrys largest minority group.
The 2000 Census also showed that minorities represented the
majority of people in California, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Texas,
too, had nearly joined the ranks of minority-majority states.
Making Diversity Work

The Debate Over Immigration

Americans continue to disagree over how immigration affects the nation.
One debate is over bilingual education, in which students are taught in
their native language as well as in English, while their English skills
improve. Critics say that this method does not provide enough incentive
to learn English. California, Arizona, and Massachusetts have all passed
anti-bilingual education initiatives.
Affirmative Action
Another continuing debate concerns affirmative action, or giving
preference to African Americans, women, and other minorities who had
been discriminated against in the past. In 2003, the Supreme Court
reaffirmed its opposition to the use of quotas by educational
institutions in two cases involving the University of Michigan. The
court upheld the narrowly tailored use of race as a factor in
admissions.
Making Diversity Work
(continued)
Americas Aging Population

As the United States approached the turn of the millennium, its
population was older than ever before.
Average life expectancy rose from 47 to 77 years during the 1900s.
An increase in the number of elderly Americans had important
political and economic effects. The Social Security system
became strained when the number of retirees receiving benefits
rose faster than the number of workers paying taxes into the
program.
The American medical system began to face similar challenges.
Medicare costs went from $7.5 billion in 1970 to $225 billion in
2002.
Federal lawmakers agreed that long-term changes were needed to
meet these challenges, but disagreed on what those changes
should be.
Theme 3
Economic and Social Change

The Reagan Revolution

How did President Reagan attempt to change the

economy?
In what ways did Reagan change the federal
government?
What were the major initiatives and key foreign policy
crises of Reagans first term?
How did the economy move from recession to
recovery in the early 1980s?
Changing the Economy

Supply-Side Economics
One of Reagans main goals
was to spur business growth.
Reagan believed that supplyside economics, a strategy
that focused on the supply of
goods, would achieve this
goal.
Supply-side economics
advocated giving more money
to businesses and investors.
These businesses in turn
would hire more people and
produce more goods.
Cutting Taxes
Cutting taxes was another of
Reagans priorities.
In 1986, Congress passed the
most sweeping tax reform in
history.
The 1986 tax reforms
eliminated loopholes,
simplified the tax system, and
cut tax rates, especially those
of the most wealthy
Americans.
Changing the Government

Cutting Regulations
Like President Carter, Reagan
wanted to eliminate
government regulations that
he believed stifled free market
competition.
Reagan continued and
expanded the deregulation of
the energy, transportation,
and banking industries.
Reagan also challenged the
power of labor unions, firing
many air traffic controllers
who refused to return to work
during a 1981 strike.
Slowing Federal Growth

Cutting the size of the federal
government was among
Reagans priorities.
Under Reagan, public service
jobs were eliminated,
unemployment and welfare
benefits were reduced, and
Medicare rates were raised.
Reagan initiated a plan called
the New Federalism in which
the federal government would
no longer tell states exactly
how federal aid had to be
used.
Reagans Foreign Policy

Reagan was determined to defend American interests in the

Cold War. Part of this involved continuing to build up both
conventional military forces and the nuclear arsenal.
In 1983, Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative
(SDI), popularly known as Star Wars. SDI proposed the
creation of a massive satellite shield in space to intercept
and destroy incoming Soviet missiles.
Continuing difficulties in the Middle East, especially Libya
and Lebanon, claimed American lives.
The United States sent aid to groups that were resisting
Communist forces in several Latin American nations.
These nations included El Salvador, Nicaragua, and
Grenada.
The Federal Budget Deficit

During the 1980

campaign, Reagan
had promised to
balance the federal
budget. However, a
combination of
defense spending
and tax cuts meant
that the federal
budget deficit grew.
Recession and Recovery

During Reagans first two years in office, the United States

experienced the worst economic downturn since the Great
Depression.
By 1983, the economy had begun to recover.
Unemployment and inflation rates fell, and investment rose.
Those in favor of supply-side economics claimed that the
recovery supported their views. However, one prediction of
this theory did not come true. Cuts in tax rates failed to
generate enough economic growth for the governments
tax revenues actually to increase.
Rising budget deficits drew the nation deeper into debt.
Despite this debt, many Americans continued to support
Reagans values and policies.
The Reagan RevolutionAssessment

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative?

(A) Reagans plan to reduce government spending
(B) The elimination of government regulations on many industries
(C) The name given to American involvement in Libya
(D) A proposal for a massive satellite shield against Soviet weapons
Which of the following could be considered a success of supply-side
economics?
(A) The recession of 19801982
(B) Greater consumer spending and investment in 1983
(C) United States victories in Latin America
(D) The rising federal budget deficit
The Reagan RevolutionAssessment

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative?

(A) Reagans plan to reduce government spending
(B) The elimination of government regulations on many industries
(C) The name given to American involvement in Libya
(D) A proposal for a massive satellite shield against Soviet weapons
Which of the following could be considered a success of supply-side
economics?
(A) The recession of 19801982
(B) Greater consumer spending and investment in 1983
(C) United States victories in Latin America
(D) The rising federal budget deficit
A Technological Revolution
Communication and Information

Computer ownership rose tremendously during the 1990s.
The Internet, a computer network that links millions of
people around the world, revolutionized many areas of
American life.
The New Economy
The technological boom during the 1990s helped
the United States enjoy the greatest period of
economic expansion in its history.
Education
Education is becoming increasingly important in a
technology-driven world, but the role of computers and
the Internet in education is still being determined.
Impacts of Technology
Impact on Government
The federal government is in the process of addressing many issues
raised by the Internet and new technologies, such as privacy. Many
people worry about the security of e-mail and online purchases.
Another issue concerns ownership rights. One company, Napster, grew
popular because its software allowed users to trade song files over the
Internet for free. Record companies successfully sued Napster, and the
company had to stop allowing users to download music for free.
Impact on Daily Life
Americans have come to rely on technology, such as cell phones and
the Internet, for keeping in touch with friends and family, shopping, and
many other tasks. However, some have begun to question whether the
advantages of modern technology outweigh the disadvantages.
Trade and the Global Economy

New communications technologies helped the development of the global

economy. Economic cooperation among nations proved to be another vital
ingredient in the expansion of world trade.
In 1993, Europe established the European Union. The European Union (the
EU) has expanded to include 25 countries. It has its own currency and
constitution. One goal of the EU is to rival the size and strength of the
American economy.
Meanwhile, the United States encouraged greater economic cooperation
within the Western Hemisphere. In 1992, the United States, Canada, and
Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which
called for a gradual removal of trade restrictions among the three nations.
Another institution to support free trade is the World Trade Organization
(WTO), which replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
As with NAFTA, opponents claimed that the WTO favored big business
over workers and the environment.
Trade and the Global Economy
(continued)
Opponents of the WTO are concerned about the growing importance of

multinational corporations, businesses that operate in more than one
country.
One multinational, the Enron corporation, owned energy-related
businesses throughout the world. When the company filed for bankruptcy,
it was discovered that Enron executives were overstating profits and
enriching themselves at the expense of investors.
After the booming economy of the 1990s, the United States entered a
recession in 2001.
President Bush succeeded in instituting two major tax cuts. The President
insisted that a bold package of tax relief would add jobs to the economy
and boost the stock market.
Critics of this plan believe that tax cuts would create huge deficits far into
the future.

Assessment
What is the definition of a minority/majority state?

(A) A state that has a larger population of people who are categorized as
a minority group than the population of people who are categorized
in the majority.
(B) A state where more minorities vote in the elections.
(C) A state that has a larger percentage of immigrants than native-born
people.
(D) A state that has less restrictive immigration quotas.
Why is an increase in older Americans of concern to the government?
(A) Newer technology is being used by more older Americans.
(B) Older Americans compete with immigrants for jobs and housing.
(C) The Social Security and medical systems are becoming strained.
(D) Older Americans have a difficult time adapting to new technologies.

Assessment
What is the definition of a minority/majority state?

(A) A state that has a larger population of people who are categorized as
a minority group than the population of people who are categorized
in the majority.
(B) A state where more minorities vote in the elections.
(C) A state that has a larger percentage of immigrants than native-born
people.
(D) A state that has less restrictive immigration quotas.
Why is an increase in older Americans of concern to the government?
(A) Newer technology is being used by more older Americans.
(B) Older Americans compete with immigrants for jobs and housing.
(C) The Social Security and medical systems are becoming strained.
(D) Older Americans have a difficult time adapting to new technologies.
Theme 4
The U.S.A. and the World

The Cold War Ends

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev encouraged policies of

glasnost and perestroika in Eastern Europe, which
contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the
end of the Cold War.
In Poland, free elections came to replace Communist rule.
A union alliance called Solidarity had a large role in this
conversion.
On November 9, 1989, East Germany began allowing travel
to and from West Germany. Germans gleefully smashed
the Berlin Wall, the most potent symbol of the Cold War. A
year later, East and West Germany reunited.
The Soviet Union at the End of the Cold War

In August 1991, conservative Communists in the Soviet Union

staged a coup which they hoped would force Gorbachev to resign.
Although the attempt failed, the Soviet Unions 15 republics
sensed weakness in the central government and began to move
toward independence.
Gorbachev resigned the presidency of the Soviet Union on
December 25, 1991. A week later, the Soviet Union ceased to exist.
It was replaced with a loose alliance of former Soviet republics
called the Commonwealth of Independent States.
As the Soviet Union disintegrated, Bush continued arms-control
talks with Gorbachev. The first Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
(START I), signed in 1991, called for dramatic reductions in the
two nations supplies of long-range nuclear weapons.
Europe and Western Asia After the Cold War

The reunification of Germany and the breakup of the Soviet Union caused changes in
the map of Europe and Western Asia.
A New International Role

Tiananmen Square
In May 1989, Chinese students
occupied Tiananmen Square in
Beijing, protesting for democracy
and reform in China.
On June 3, 1989, Chinas leaders
ordered the army to attack the
protesters in Tiananmen Square,
killing many.
Bush took a nonconfrontational
stance to China, not wishing to
risk Chinas relationship with the
United States. However, many
Americans saw Bush as
indifferent to human rights in
China.
The Invasion of Panama

Bush suspected General Manuel
Noriega, leader of the Central
American nation of Panama, of
smuggling cocaine into the
United States.
After Noreiga declared war on the
United States, Bush launched a
lightning attack against Panama
in December 1989. American
forces won control of Panama the
following month.
Although they had criticized
Bushs stance toward China,
many Americans praised his bold
handling of the Panama invasion.
The Persian Gulf War

In August 1990, the Arab nation of Iraq, headed by dictator Saddam

Hussein, invaded neighboring Kuwait. Ancient territorial claims as
well as Kuwaits substantial oil wealth motivated this invasion.
President Bush believed that protection of Kuwaits oil reserves was
an issue of national security. Bush, working with the United Nations
and leaders of more than 25 other countries, mobilized forces for
the Persian Gulf War.
In a series of airstrikes called Operation Desert Storm, UN forces,
directed by General Colin Powell and led by Norman Schwarzkopf,
liberated Kuwait after just six weeks of war. Bushs popularity
soared.
Bush opted not to send troops deep into Iraq to oust Saddam,
believing that his opponents would soon overthrow him. However,
Saddams opposition proved weaker than expected, and he
remained in power.
Domestic Issues
Although Bushs foreign policy was popular, many

Americans felt that he did not have a clear plan for handling
domestic issues.
Bushs nomination of conservative African American judge
Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court angered many
liberals and moderates. Charges of past sexual harassment
plagued Thomass confirmation hearings.
A deficit reduction plan that included new taxes broke
Bushs campaign promise and angered many Americans.
A recession which began in the early 1990s resulted in
widespread downsizing, or the laying off of workers to cut
costs to companies. Cuts in defense spending and rising
oil prices also contributed to Americas economic problems.

Assessment
How did former Soviet republics reorganize after the collapse of the Soviet
Union?
(A) They formed a strongly unified commonwealth.
(B) They formed a loose alliance of independent states.
(C) They became colonies of a newly-unified Germany.
(D) They invaded Kuwait to gain its oil wealth.
Which of the following decreased George H. W. Bushs popularity?
(A) Rapid victory in the Persian Gulf War
(B) Bold moves in the invasion of Panama
(C) Creation of new taxes
(D) Television advertisements attacking Michael Dukakis
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Assessment
How did former Soviet republics reorganize after the collapse of the Soviet
Union?
(A) They formed a strongly unified commonwealth.
(B) They formed a loose alliance of independent states.
(C) They became colonies of a newly-unified Germany.
(D) They invaded Kuwait to gain its oil wealth.
Which of the following decreased George H. W. Bushs popularity?
(A) Rapid victory in the Persian Gulf War
(B) Bold moves in the invasion of Panama
(C) Creation of new taxes
(D) Television advertisements attacking Michael Dukakis
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The United States in a New World

What political changes took place in the

post-Cold War world?
What conflicts proved difficult to resolve
during the post-Cold War years?
How did Americans respond to the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001?
Post-Cold War Politics

Russia
The international community
offered aid and support for
Russias move towards
western-style democracy and
free market economy.
Presidents Boris Yeltsin and
then Vladamir Putin have
worked to keep Russia moving
toward these goals.
Russia has also agreed to work
with NATO to halt the
proliferation, or spread, of
nuclear weapons to other
countries.
Eastern Europe and South Africa

In the post-Cold War era, many
Eastern European countries have
instituted free market economies and
democratic governments. By the end
of 2003, ten former communist
nations will have joined NATO.
With South Africas rejection of
apartheid, the systematic separation
of people of different racial
backgrounds, that nation has made a
peaceful transition to black majority
rule. The Truth and Reconciliation
commission won international praise
for investigating the brutal crimes of
the apartheid era.
Post-Cold War Politics
(continued)
China
China and the United States sought peaceful relations. However,

the issue of Taiwan resulted in tensions between the two nations.
China viewed the island of Taiwan as part of China.
The United States has supplied weapons to Taiwan and
opposed any military action against Taiwan by China.
Relations between the United States and China improved as both
nations worked on ways to expand Chinas trade with other
nations.
In 2003, President Bush and Chinas new president Hu Jintao, met
to discuss trade and the status of Taiwan. Their most important
discussion involved nuclear weapons and North Korea. Both
presidents agreed that North Korea should join discussions aimed
at peaceful resolution.
Post-Cold War Conflicts

Africa
Conflicts in Africa demonstrated how hard it was for the United States to
balance Americans desire to promote peace around the world and their
fear of costly commitments. In 1992, Somalia was suffering from a famine,
made worse by a civil war. President Bush sent American troops to assist a
United Nations relief effort. The troops helped ease the famine, but were
not able to end the civil war. With this conflict in mind, the United States,
in 1994, did not intervene in Rwanda, to stop the Hutu government from
attempting to exterminate the Tutsi minority. After over 800,000 killings, a
French-led U.N. force moved to stop the genocide.
Yugoslavia
In the 1990s, the United States did play a peacekeeping role in
Yugoslavia. In the conflicts in the former Yugoslavian republics of both
Bosnia and Kosovo, American-led NATO forces allowed for peacekeepers
to work to end brutal ethnic violence. As a result, the Serbian people were
able to vote a dictator out of office and continue in their bid for peace and
independence.
post-Cold War Conflicts
(continued)
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the United States

encouraged efforts to end decades of
violence.
The conflict was between the Catholic

nationalists, who wanted to reunite
with Ireland, and the Protestant
unionists, who wanted to remain a
part of Britain.
In 1998, with the help of the United

States, the major parties signed the
Good Friday Accords.
These accords included provisions

for power-sharing between the
Catholics and Protestants.
Violence has slowed the

implementation of the agreement, but
Britain has made plans to withdraw
most troops over a three-year period.
Israel
In September 1993, Palestinian leader Arafat

and Israeli Prime Minister Rabin signed a
historic peace agreement.
Radicals on both sides tried to destroy the

agreement, and, in 1995, a Jewish extremist
assassinated Prime Minister Rabin.
In 2001 Ariel Sharon, a critic of the peace

process, became prime minister.
Palestinian extremists increased their
suicide bombings, killing many Israelis.
In 2003 the UN, the United States, and the

European Union presented a road map to
peace. The road map calls for
establishing a Palestinian state in the West
Bank and Gaza.
No one is sure if this plan will result in a

lasting peace.
The War on Terrorism

On September 11, 2001, terrorists struck at targets in New York

City and Washington, D.C. Thousands died in the attacks.
Americans responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of
support for the victims. Meanwhile, President Bush vowed to
bring justice to those responsible for the attack.
On October 7, an American bombing campaign known as
Operation Enduring Freedom began in Afghanistan. The rulers
of Afghanistan, the Taliban, were believed to be harboring Saudi
dissident Osama bin Laden, suspected of masterminding the 9/11
attack. Bin Laden was not found, but the United States and Afghan
forces defeated the Taliban.
The War on Terrorism
(continued)
The President also moved to combat terrorism at home. Less than a month
after the 9/11 attacks, Bush created the Office of Homeland Security. A year
later, in a major government reorganization, the Bush administration
created a new cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security.
In the State of the Union Address in January, 2002, President Bush sent a
warning to hostile nations to stop developing weapons of mass
destruction. He declared that Iraq, Iran, and North Korea were an axis of
evil, recalling the United States enemies in World War II, the Axis Powers.
In November, Saddam Hussein allowed UN weapons inspectors to resume
their search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Two months later
they reported finding no banned weapons. Despite this report and lack of
support from several key allies, President Bush declared war on Iraq.
The war began on March 19th, 2003. Three weeks, later American tanks
arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
American troops and officials worked to establish a democratic
government in Iraq.

Assessment
What has happened in Eastern Europe during the post-Cold War era?
(A) Many countries have tried to recreate old communist states.
(B) A common currency among Eastern European nations has
encouraged economic prosperity.
(C) Many countries have instituted free market economies and
democratic governments.
(D) There has been a move back to communism in the large cities.
What major government reorganization was instituted after the terrorist
attacks on 9/11?
(A) The United States military came under control of the Congress.
(B) The President created the Department of Homeland Security.
(C) The Environmental Protection Agency became part of the judiciary.
(D) The Legislative and Executive branches merged.

Assessment
What has happened in Eastern Europe during the post-Cold War era?
(A) Many countries have tried to recreate old communist states.
(B) A common currency among Eastern European nations has
encouraged economic prosperity.
(C) Many countries have instituted free market economies and
democratic governments.
(D) There has been a move back to communism in the large cities.
What major government reorganization was instituted after the terrorist
attacks on 9/11?
(A) The United States military came under control of the Congress.
(B) The President created the Department of Homeland Security.
(C) The Environmental Protection Agency became part of the judiciary.
(D) The Legislative and Executive branches merged.

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America: Pathways to the Present: Cambridge Ed.

Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as

America: Pathways to the Present: Cambridge Ed.

Theme 1: Roots of the New Conservatism

Theme 2: Americans in the New Millennium

America: Pathways to the Present: Cambridge Ed.

Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as

Roots of the New Conservatism

What were the major events in Ronald Reagans

Reagans Political Career

When Ronald Reagan began his career as a movie actor in

The Evolution of Conservatism

Historical Background: Conservatism 1930s1980

President Dwight D. Eisenhower accepted the basic outlines of

The Great Society

Nixon and the

When Richard Nixon became President in 1968, he aimed to

Issues of the New Conservatism

Turning Point: The Election of 1980

By 1980, conservative groups had formed a powerful

Roots of the New Conservatism

Which of these phrases best describes Reagan Democrats?

Roots of the New Conservatism

Which of these phrases best describes Reagan Democrats?

Reagans Second Term

In what ways did the United States experience a

Reagan was reelected President in 1984, winning a

Continuing Social Debates

Continuing Social Debates

The number of African American elected officials rose

As women gained access to new opportunities, opposition to the

The campaign for homosexual rights presented another

Reagan appointed conservative judges Sandra Day OConnor and

Americas farmers suffered setbacks during the 1980s.

Reagans Hands-off Style

The S & L Scandal

The Iran-Contra Affair

The Reagan Legacy

Foreign Policy Success

Domestic Policy Initiatives

Reagans Second TermAssessment

Which of the following declined during Reagans presidency?

Reagans Second TermAssessment

Which of the following declined during Reagans presidency?

The George H. W. Bush Presidency

What challenges did George Bush face in the 1988

The 1988 Election

Republican Vice President George H. W. Bush began the

Politics in Recent Years

What led to Bill Clintons election in 1992, and

The 1992 Election

Clintons First Term

The Battle Over Healthcare

The Republicans Contract with America

Contract With America

Clintons Second Term

Clinton won reelection in 1996, defeating Republican Bob Dole

The 2000 Election

The mixture of a strong economy and a scandal-ridden presidency

The George W. Bush Administration

Change in Presidential Style

Bush on Domestic Policy