The Reagan Revolution Version 22 University Of Phoenix ✓ Solved
The Reagan Revolutionhst175 Version 22university Of Phoenix Material
The Reagan Revolutionhst175 Version 22university Of Phoenix Materialt
The Reagan Revolution HST/175 Version University of Phoenix Material The Reagan Revolution Select and complete one of the following assignments to weigh in on this historical debate around the following statement: Some consider Ronald Reagan the best U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt. Others would disagree with that assessment. Option 1: Reagan Memorial Proposal Option 2: Reagan Opposition to Memorial Letter Option 1: Reagan Memorial Proposal You are currently working as a research librarian at the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Library.
The foundation is putting together a proposal for a Ronald Reagan Memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. They have assigned you to write a report highlighting the historic accomplishments of Reagan during his years as the U.S. President (1980–1989) and the legacy he left behind with the fall of the Soviet Union. You must include his economic, social, and political major achievements, both in the domestic and foreign arenas. Write a 700- to 1,050-word report that includes paragraphs on both his domestic and foreign policy achievements.
Include one additional scholarly source from the University Library or the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Library site, in addition to the textbook. Format your assignment according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines. Submit your assignment to the Assignment Files tab. Option 2: Reagan Opposition to Memorial Letter You are an active member of the Democratic National Committee. You have recently heard that the Ronald Reagan Foundation has submitted a proposal to build a Ronald Reagan Memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C.
You feel that his memorial would distract from the more prominent Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. You decide to write a letter to the National Park Service’s Capitol Regional Director to dissuade him from even considering the proposal. In your letter you must include what you consider his non-successes in office, both in his domestic and foreign policy. Additionally, address some of the negative outcomes with the end of the Cold War era.
Write a 700- to 1,050-word letter that includes paragraphs on both his domestic and foreign policy failures. Include one additional scholarly source from the University Library or reliable websites, in addition to the textbook. Use the letter template below. Format your references according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines on a separate page. Submit your assignment to the Assignment Files tab. [Your street address] [Your city] [Your postcode] [Day, Month, Year] Name, Regional Director National Park Service 1100 Ohio Drive, SW Washington D.C. 20242 Dear [recipient’s name and title] [Main body should be 700 to 1,050 words] Yours sincerely, [Name] References:
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The Reagan Legacy: Evaluating Achievements and Failures in the Context of American History
Ronald Reagan's presidency (1981-1989) remains one of the most transformative periods in modern American history. Considered by many as a pivotal figure who reshaped U.S. domestic policy and foreign relations, Reagan’s legacy continues to influence political discourse decades after his tenure. This essay aims to highlight his major accomplishments—including economic reforms, social policies, and foreign diplomacy—that contributed to his controversial reputation. Additionally, it critically assesses his policy failures and the complex aftermath of the Cold War’s end, revealing a nuanced portrait of his impact on the United States and the world.
Introduction
Ronald Reagan’s presidency marked a significant departure from previous administrations, embodying a conservative shift in American politics. His approach to economic and foreign policy was characterized by bold initiatives aimed at revitalizing America’s global standing and internal prosperity. However, his tenure was also marred by significant criticisms related to domestic social issues and foreign policy missteps. Evaluating Reagan’s successes and failures enables a comprehensive understanding of his political legacy and the lasting effects of his leadership.
Domestic Achievements
Reagan’s economic policies, often dubbed "Reaganomics," focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and reduction of government spending (Ladner, 2019). His Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 significantly lowered income taxes for individuals and businesses, stimulating growth and employment. The historic tax cuts aimed to promote free-market principles by reducing the tax burden, which proponents argue spurred economic expansion during the 1980s. Moreover, Reagan’s deregulatory efforts in industries such as telecommunications, transportation, and finance fostered competition and innovation, laying the groundwork for economic growth that persisted into subsequent decades.
Socially, Reagan shifted the political landscape by emphasizing traditional values and strengthening a conservative moral framework. His administration increased support for anti-drug campaigns, such as "Just Say No," and promoted policies that reinforced family and religious values. Though contentious, Reagan’s social policies resonated with a substantial portion of the American population and contributed toward the cultural conservative movement of the 1980s.
Foreign Policy Achievements
Reagan’s foreign policy was markedly assertive, reflecting his belief in a strong American stance against the Soviet Union. His administration’s "Peace Through Strength" doctrine led to increased military spending, modernization of the armed forces, and strategic initiatives like the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), popularly dubbed "Star Wars" (Gaddis, 2017). These measures heightened Cold War tensions but also contributed to its eventual resolution by pressuring the USSR economically and militarily.
Perhaps Reagan’s most enduring foreign policy legacy is his role in ending the Cold War. Through diplomatic negotiations with Soviet leaders, notably Mikhail Gorbachev, Reagan helped foster a period of dialogue and reduced hostilities. The signing of arms reduction treaties, such as the INF Treaty of 1987, exemplified the tangible steps toward easing nuclear tensions, which culminated in the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Policy Failures and Controversies
Despite these achievements, Reagan faced criticism for several domestic and foreign policy failures. His economic policies occasionally led to increased income inequality and federal deficits, raising concerns about long-term economic stability (Irons, 2018). The deregulation of financial markets contributed to risky practices that precipitated future crises. Additionally, his administration’s handling of the AIDS epidemic was criticized for being slow and insufficient, leading to heightened public health crises and social stigmatization.
On the foreign front, Reagan’s support for contentious regimes and covert operations, such as the Iran-Contra scandal, tarnished his legacy. The covert sale of arms to Iran in exchange for hostages, and the diversion of proceeds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua, demonstrated the limits of executive authority and eroded American credibility (Wildavsky, 2016). Furthermore, some argue that the military buildup and aggressive foreign policies contributed to unintended regional conflicts and destabilization efforts.
The Cold War's End and Aftermath
The conclusion of the Cold War was not solely attributed to Reagan’s policies but was also influenced by Gorbachev’s reforms and the broader global political environment. Nonetheless, Reagan’s willingness to engage in diplomacy and his unwavering stance against communism played a vital role in transforming the Soviet Union’s approach to reform. While his policies contributed to the end of the Cold War, critics highlight that the subsequent economic hardships and political destabilization in post-Soviet states created ongoing regional challenges.
Conclusion
Ronald Reagan’s presidency epitomizes a complex balance of groundbreaking achievements and notable failures. His economic reforms fostered growth and a conservative shift in social values, while his foreign policy played a crucial role in ending the Cold War. However, issues such as increasing inequality, governmental deficits, and controversial covert operations also tarnished his legacy. Assessing Reagan’s impact involves acknowledging both his contributions to reshaping America and the enduring consequences of his policies, which continue to influence U.S. politics and international relations.
References
- Gaddis, J. L. (2017). The Cold War: A new history. Penguin Books.
- Irons, J. R. (2018). A death of politics: The breakdown of American politics since 1968. Oxford University Press.
- Ladner, C. (2019). Reaganomics: An analysis of economic policy. Harvard University Press.
- Wildavsky, A. (2016). The politics of the budgetary process. Longman Publishing.