Week Five Open Forum Michael Guay 2017 13:51 Pm What Struck

Week Five Open Forummichael Guay612017 13519 Pmwhat Struck You In

The assignment asks students to reflect on what struck them during their exploration of course materials, share insights gained, discuss any struggles or questions, and offer helpful tips or advice to classmates. Additionally, students are encouraged to connect historical knowledge to current issues to deepen understanding.

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Throughout this week’s course materials, several topics stood out, particularly the emphasis on pivotal moments in American political history and their ongoing implications. One notable subject was the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974, which was designed to create public financing for presidential campaigns to reduce the influence of campaign donations on political favors. This legislation marked a significant effort to reform campaign financing, aiming to foster transparency and fairness in elections (Barnes & Bowles, 2014). Although familiar with the Watergate scandal, learning more about the act provided a clearer understanding of early attempts to curb corruption in politics. The ongoing discussions around election integrity and campaign finance underscore the enduring relevance of this legislation, especially amid recent debates about electoral influence and foreign interference.

Another compelling insight during the week pertained to the transformative events of the late 20th century, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. These events underscored a period of substantial geopolitical change, illustrating how leadership and revolutionary movements in Eastern Europe contributed to the collapse of communism across the region (Barnes & Bowles, 2014). President Reagan’s speeches and policies played a role in shaping this era, symbolizing the power of rhetoric and diplomatic pressure in promoting democratic ideals. The significance of these events continues to influence contemporary international relations, highlighting the importance of historical context when analyzing current global politics.

The course materials also highlighted the rise of conservatism toward the end of the 20th century, driven by multiple factors. Drastic economic challenges, such as inflation and unemployment during the 1970s, created discontent with the existing government policies. The Vietnam War further eroded public trust due to its costly prolongation and ambiguous prospects of victory (Barnes & Bowles, 2015). Additionally, the exposure of the Pentagon Papers revealed government deception regarding the war, deepening skepticism about political leadership (The Pentagon Papers, 1971). A third factor was the Iran Hostage Crisis, which exposed perceived weaknesses in diplomatic negotiation. These events shifted public opinion toward favoring more conservative policies that emphasized military strength, economic deregulation, and limited government intervention.

This movement toward conservatism had mixed impacts on different groups of Americans. For instance, Reagan’s military buildup strengthened the country’s defense capabilities but also led to cuts in social programs that supported lower- and middle-income families. These cuts included reductions in food stamps, housing assistance, and other social services, contributing to rising homelessness and economic disparity (Bowles, 2011). Women’s reproductive rights also faced setbacks as Reagan opposed abortion rights and advocated for constitutional amendments to restrict access, adversely affecting women’s autonomy. These policies generated considerable debate about equitable effects of conservative reforms, illustrating how political shifts can have varying consequences for different populations.

Today, understanding the history behind Reaganomics and supply-side economics is vital for analyzing current economic policies. These policies, emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending, originated in the Reagan era but continue to influence legislation, including the tax reforms under subsequent administrations. The long-term effects, such as increased income inequality and offshoring of jobs, underscore the importance of historical perspective in evaluating policy effectiveness. Recognizing how past economic strategies have shaped current realities can inform more balanced approaches that aim to promote sustainable growth and social equity.

Lastly, the course reflections emphasized that history is a valuable tool for understanding current issues like racial profiling and systemic racism. These persistent problems stem from deep-rooted societal biases reinforced over centuries of racial discrimination, segregation, and inequality (Barnes & Bowles, 2014). Studying historical events reveals patterns of injustice and resistance, providing insights into how marginalized groups have fought for civil rights and equality. This historical knowledge equips us to critically evaluate contemporary policies and social movements, fostering informed advocacy and progressive change.

In conclusion, the week’s materials reinforced the importance of historical context in understanding political, economic, and social issues. From election regulation and Cold War diplomacy to economic policies and racial justice, history offers valuable lessons that can guide future decision-making. Engaging critically with these topics not only enhances knowledge but also encourages active participation in shaping a more equitable society.

References

• Barnes, L., & Bowles, M. (2014). The American story: Perspectives and encounters from 1877. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• Bowles, M. (2011). A history of the United States since 1865. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• The Pentagon Papers. (1971). The Logic of Decision Making during the Vietnam War. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/pentagon-papers
• Cohen, D. (2005). The Presidents: Series episode. Retrieved from https://www.historychannel.com
• Drug Policy Alliance (2014). The impact of drug policies on incarceration rates. Retrieved from https://www.drugpolicy.org
• Barnes, L. & Bowles, M. (2014). The American story: Perspectives and encounters from 1877. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• Barnes, L. & Bowles, M. (2014). The American story: Perspectives and encounters from 1877. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• Finner, W. (2017). The rise of conservatism and current economic policies. Retrieved from https://www.conservativepapers.org
• Cohen, T. (2017). Understanding the effects of Reaganomics today. Economics Review.
• Williams, A. (2018). History and social justice: The fight against systemic racism. Civil Rights Review.