The 1980’s

By Ben Williams, Thomas Bauer-Gluckmann, and Myles Flusser

We somehow did it

somehow

Pls give us a 100

Table of Contents

· Overview of the 1980’s · “Ronald Reagan's Inaugural Address” 1981 o Analysis of “Ronald Reagan’s Inaugural Address” · Election Political Cartoon 1984o Analysis of Political Cartoon · “Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty” 1987o Analysis of INF Treaty · “White House Report on the Program for Economic Recovery” 1981o Analysis of “White House…Recovery” · TIME Magazine Document – Japanese Industry 1981o Analysis of Magazine Cover · “Fire Alarm on Wall Street” 1987o Analysis of “Fire Alarm on Wall Street” · FDA Political Cartoon 1983o Analysis of Political Cartoon · Newsweek Newsletter Document – Challenger Explosion 1986o Analysis of Newsletter Cover · “Jesse Jackson’s Address to the Democratic National Convention” 1988o Analysis of “Jesse Jackson’s…National Convention” · Citations

· 1980’s Terms List · General Truth

· Multiple Choice Questions

Overview of the 1980’s

The 1980s were dominated by the rise of conservatism and what is now known as the

Reagan era in the United States. Reagan was elected in 1980 and 1984 with two landslide

victories. Reagan's conservative approach towards government affected all areas of American

life, including a strong influence on the U.S.’s fluctuating economy with extreme tax-cutting

policies.

The economy in the early 1980s started with a hard-hitting recession in 1982 that was

caused by earlier policies and crises of the 1970s. Although the recession was hard hitting it was

somewhat short and was over by 1983. After that the country had a rebound and a time of

economic growth. Although the U.S. had this short boost in growth, Reagan’s policies led to

problems that caused the stock market crash of 1987. Due to Reagan’s tax and trade policies the

national budget deficit had grown throughout the 1980s, which caused the U.S. to become very

dependent on other foreign countries, and when foreign investors bailed out, the stock market

crashed. Although this crash wasn’t extremely devastating for most people in America, it showed

weakness and possible issues for the U.S. economy in the future.

The 1980s also brought the cold war between the U.S. and Soviet Union to a close. Although the

first half of the decade is sometimes considered the “Second Cold War” with the early Reagan

administration creating more tensions with things such as reving the B-1 Lancer program and

creating the Strategic Defense Initiative, later in the decade tensions began to thaw with multiple

meetings between the U.S. and Russia that cumulated in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces

Treaty. This treaty removed many tensions, and for the most part brought an end to the Cold

War.

With the rise of conservatism in the U.S. came the considerable fall and support of social reform.

This can be seen in the struggle of the AIDS epidemic. With the outbreak starting in 1981 it was

very slow to gain backing and help because at first the disease was believed to only affect

homosexuals, of which there was great prejudice towards due to the more conservative beliefs.

Although conservatism was the leading theme there were still some social leaders that fought

against its values. The most prominent being Jesse Jackson who was a social rights activist, and

democratic nominee. He proved that an African American could compete in the presidential race.

While the 1980s was dominated by conservatism, Jesse Jackson and other social reformers

started to bring an end to the age of conservatism by the end of the decade.

Excerpt of Ronald Reagan: Inaugural Address - January 20, 1981:

So, as we begin, let us take inventory. We are a nation that has a government—not the other way

around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our government has no power

except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government,

which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.

It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the Federal establishment and to demand

recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those

reserved to the States or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the Federal

Government did not create the States; the States created the Federal Government.

Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It

is rather to make it work--work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back.

Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.

If we look to the answer as to why for so many years we achieved so much, prospered as no

other people on Earth, it was because here in this land we unleashed the energy and individual

genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before. Freedom and the dignity of the

individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth. The price

for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price.

It is no coincidence that our present troubles parallel and are proportionate to the intervention

and intrusion in our lives that result from unnecessary and excessive growth of government. It is

time for us to realize that we're too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams. We're not,

as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline. I do not believe in a fate that

will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing.

So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us

renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope.

We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are

not heroes, they just don't know where to look. You can see heroes every day going in and out of

factory gates. Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the

world beyond. You meet heroes across a counter, and they're on both sides of that counter. There

are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth

and opportunity. They're individuals and families whose taxes support the government and

whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art, and education. Their patriotism is

quiet, but deep. Their values sustain our national life.

Now, I have used the words "they" and "their" in speaking of these heroes. I could say "you" and

"your," because I'm addressing the heroes of whom I speak—you, the citizens of this blessed

land. Your dreams, your hopes, your goals are going to be the dreams, the hopes, and the goals

of this administration, so help me God.

We shall reflect the compassion that is so much a part of your makeup. How can we love our

country and not love our countrymen; and loving them, reach out a hand when they fall, heal

them when they're sick, and provide opportunity to make them self-sufficient so they will be

equal in fact and not just in theory?

Can we solve the problems confronting us? Well, the answer is an unequivocal and emphatic

"yes." To paraphrase Winston Churchill, I did not take the oath I've just taken with the intention

of presiding over the dissolution of the world's strongest economy.

In the days ahead I will propose removing the roadblocks that have slowed our economy and

reduced productivity. Steps will be taken aimed at restoring the balance between the various

levels of government. Progress may be slow, measured in inches and feet, not miles, but we will

progress. It is time to reawaken this industrial giant, to get government back within its means,

and to lighten our punitive tax burden. And these will be our first priorities, and on these

principles there will be no compromise.

Analysis:

I chose this document because it represents one of the main political themes of the

1980’s, the rise of conservatism in the United States. The election of the very conservative

Ronald Reagan was a catalyst for the great growth of conservatism, and his strong conservative

views are very much reflected in his inaugural address. The main message President Reagan

sends in his inaugural address is his plan to limit the size of the United States government, in

order to free up limitations on its people. The bulk of his speech is dedicated to his plan.

Reagan began with the premise that we - the people - should control the government, “not the

other way around.” He described his intent to “curb” the power of the government, particularly

the federal government, and the need to create a better distinction between the powers that are to

be reserved for the federal and state government or to the people. He contended that he of course

did not intend to do away with government, but that he wanted to weaken it in order to

strengthen America as a whole. From Reagan’s perspective, he felt that all the great prosperity in

the United States had been a result of great individuals. He believed that many problems had

been caused by the growth of government interfering with the people of America, so he wanted

to stop that. Later he referred to the government as “roadblocks” that slowed “ productivity.”

His conservatism showed in the solutions he identified for the problem of inflation. For example,

he mentions inflation numerous times, and some of the possible remedies he cited were reducing

taxes and deregulating business. He saw reducing the tax burden on people as freeing them up,

and deregulating business as freeing up the economy. This demonstrates how Reagan planned to

reduce the size of government. With this plan Ronald Reagan led the United States into the

conservative era of the 1980’s.

Election of 1984 - Political Cartoon:

Analysis:

The image by Kate Salley Palmer portraits the decision making by the democrats during the

1984 election. This election in particular was a bit strange with Ronald Reagan winning 49 states

and gaining the presidency with a cool 525-13 sweep of democratic rival Walter Mondale.

Reagan’s strength came in the tension of superpowers in the world and his friendly approach to

it. This can be echoed in Margaret Thatcher’s eulogy to Ronald Reagan where she calls him a

kind man always having his hands out even to his enemy. The image shows a few people

blindfolded holding up tails trying to pin them on the donkey. (The symbol of the Democratic

Party.) The people are seen being very confused, completely missing the donkey’s rear where the

tail should be, and symbolizing the confusion and complete incompetence of democrats at the

time to elect someone worthy of being president. The boy with the name “the democrats” is seen

with his fingers crossed showing the hope in a random “blind” choice he is making. Palmer

stresses the lost party of democrats whose followers were dwindling in knowledge and reason.

This is through the perspective of angry democratic leaders who are seeing some of their peers as

dysfunctional. (This can be seen with the donkey giving “the democrats” an evil eye, a

distasteful look.) The entire image is to show the reason behind the fall of the democratic party

and it’s supporters. The 1984 election sparked the turning point in American History into the age

of conservatism with many conservative representatives and conservative laws being established.

I decided to use this article due to the importance it has with the 1984 election, and how the

Reagan Era came to be. It clearly states the time period in which this cartoon is valid (the 1984

timestamp near the donkey) giving the political cartoon meaning and power.

Excerpts of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty:

Signed at Washington December 8, 1987Ratification advised by U.S. Senate May 27, 1988Instruments of ratification exchanged June 1, 1988Entered into force June 1, 1988Proclaimed by U.S. President December 27, 1988 The United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, hereinafter referred to as the Parties, Conscious that nuclear war would : have devastating consequences for all mankind, Guided by the objective of strengthening strategic stability, Convinced that the measures set forth in this Treaty will help to reduce the risk of outbreak of war and strengthen international peace and security, and Mindful of their obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Have agreed as follows: Article I In accordance with the provisions of this Treaty which includes the Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols which form an integral part thereof, each Party shall eliminate its intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles, not have such systems thereafter, and carry out the other obligations set forth in this Treaty.

Analysis:

This document is the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) --between the United

States and the Soviet Union that was created in an effort to avoid nuclear war between the two

countries. I chose this treaty because it represents an integral turning point between the U.S. and

Russia in bringing the Cold War to a close. Both nations’ desire for this change to occur is

explained at the very beginning of the treaty. The introduction to the treaty states that appropriate

measures will be taken to reduce the likelihood of nuclear war and both parties want to increase

strategic stability. The document describes that it would not only be devastating for the Soviet

Union and the United States if Nuclear War occurs, but for the whole world as well. This

exemplifies a critical understanding being communicated between the two nations of the great

possibility of disaster if their passive aggression were to escalate to actual war. Additionally,

with the phrase “strategic stability” utilized in the first article these nations were not only

thinking of the rest of the world being devastated, but themselves being potentially destroyed as

well. The main measure that was agreed to be taken was for both nations to eliminate the

production and use of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. Intermediate-range missiles

were defined as missiles "having a range capability in excess of 1000 kilometers but not in

excess of 5500 kilometers," and short-range missiles were defined as "having a range capability

equal to or in excess of 500 kilometers but not in excess of 1000 kilometers." Further, these

nations agreed to institute inspections at all operating bases that previously housed and used such

missiles.

These eliminations represent the removal of key weapons that were used by each as a threat of

each nation's power, and thus, threat and possibility of war. The removal of these shorter-range

missiles combined with past agreements, like the SALT I and SALT II that removed longer

range missiles, to create a cohesive policy between the U.S. and Russia which now banned most

types of missiles. The INF treaty was a major key in bringing an end to the Cold War by taking

away the possibility of many of the great threats that were causing the tension of the Cold War.

White House Report on the Program for Economic Recovery: I. A Program for Economic Recovery

Today the Administration is proposing a national recovery plan to reverse the debilitating

combination of sustained inflation and economic distress which continues to face the American

economy. Were we to stay with existing policies, the results would be readily predictable: a

rising government presence in the economy, more inflation, stagnating productivity, and higher

unemployment. Indeed, there is reason to fear that if we remain on this course, our economy may

suffer even more calamitously.

The program we have developed will break that cycle of negative expectations. It will revitalize

economic growth, renew optimism and confidence, and rekindle the Nation's entrepreneurial

instincts and creativity.

The benefits to the average American will be striking. Inflation—which is now at double digit

rates—will be cut in half by 1986. The American economy will produce 13 million new jobs by

1986, nearly 3 million more than if the status quo in government policy were to prevail. The

economy itself should break out of its anemic growth patterns to a much more robust growth

trend of 4 to 5 percent a year. These positive results will be accomplished simultaneously with

reducing tax burdens, increasing private saving, and raising the living standard of the American

family.

The plan is based on sound expenditure, tax, regulatory, and monetary policies. It seeks properly

functioning markets, free play of wages and prices, reduced government spending and

borrowing, a stable and reliable monetary framework, and reduced government barriers to risk-

taking and enterprise. This agenda for the future recognizes that sensible policies which are

consistently applied can release the strength of the private sector, improve economic growth, and

reduce inflation.

We have forgotten some important lessons in America. High taxes are not the remedy for

inflation. Excessively rapid monetary growth cannot lower interest rates. Well-intentioned

government regulations do not contribute to economic vitality. In fact, government spending has

become so extensive that it contributes to the economic problems it was designed to cure. More

government intervention in the economy cannot possibly be a solution to our economic

problems.

We must remember a simple truth. The creativity and ambition of the American people are the

vital forces of economic growth. The motivation and incentive of our people—to supply new

goods and services and earn additional income for their families—are the most precious

resources of our Nation's economy. The goal of this Administration is to nurture the strength and

vitality of the American people by reducing the burdensome, intrusive role of the Federal

Government; by lowering tax rates and cutting spending; and by providing incentives for

individuals to work, to save, and to invest. It is our basic belief that only by reducing the growth

of government can we increase the growth of the economy.

The U.S. economy faces no insurmountable barriers to sustained growth. It confronts no

permanently disabling tradeoffs between inflation and unemployment, between high interest

rates and high taxes, or between recession and hyperinflation. We can revive the incentives to

work and save. We can restore the willingness to invest in the private capital required to achieve

a steadily rising standard of living. Most important, we can regain our faith in the future.

The plan consists of four parts: (1) a substantial reduction in the growth of Federal expenditures;

(2) a significant reduction in Federal tax rates; (3) prudent relief of Federal regulatory burdens;

and (4) a monetary policy on the part of the independent Federal Reserve System which is

consistent with those policies. These four complementary policies form an integrated and

comprehensive program.

It should be clear from the most cursory examination of the economic program of this

Administration that we have moved from merely talking about the economic difficulties facing

the American people to taking the strong action necessary to turn the economy around.

The leading edge of our program is the comprehensive reduction in the rapid growth of Federal

spending. As shown in detail below, our budget restraint is more than "cosmetic" changes in the

estimates of Federal expenditures. But we have not adopted a simple-minded "meat ax" approach

to budget reductions. Rather, a careful set of guidelines has been used to identify lower-priority

programs in virtually every department and agency that can be eliminated, reduced, or

postponed.

The second element of the program, which is equally important and urgent, is the reduction in

Federal personal income tax rates by 10 percent a year for 3 years in a row. Closely related to

this is an incentive to greater investment in production and job creation via faster tax write-offs

of new factories and production equipment.

The third key element of our economic expansion program is an ambitious reform of regulations

that will reduce the government-imposed barriers to investment, production, and employment.

We have suspended for 2 months the unprecedented flood of last-minute rulemaking on the part

of the previous Administration. We have eliminated the ineffective and counterproductive wage

and price standards of the Council on Wage and Price Stability, and we have taken other steps to

eliminate government interference in the marketplace.

The fourth aspect of this comprehensive economic program is a monetary policy to provide the

financial environment consistent with a steady return to sustained growth and price stability.

During the first week of this Administration its commitment to the historic independence of the

Federal Reserve System was underscored. It is clear, of course, that monetary and fiscal policy

are closely interrelated. Success in one area can be made more difficult—or can be reinforced—

by the other. Thus, a predictable and steady growth in the money supply at more modest levels

than often experienced in the past will be a vital contribution to the achievement of the economic

goals described in this Report. The planned reduction and subsequent elimination of Federal

deficit financing will help the Federal Reserve System perform its important role in achieving

economic growth and stability.

Analysis:

Shortly after being elected into office on Tuesday November 4th 1980, Ronald Reagan got

straight to work on what he promised, a tax break, and economic recovery. This was in response

to the recent poor economy in the 70's. He speaks with confidence and assurance when talking

about America's problems swiftly followed by his solution to the issue he spoke of. He even goes

out of his way to talk about what won't work in the American economy. “We have forgotten

some important lessons in America. High taxes are not the remedy for inflation.” This was his

way of attempting to get conservatism to stay in people's minds as the “right” thing, and to not

regulate as much. Reagan states the inflation problems and how to tackle it. This White House

Report went through all of Reagan's plans for the economy in grave detail stating how inflation

rates will be cut in half by 1986, 13 million new jobs will be produced by 1986 and so on. The

report was meant to give reassurance to the people of America that their promise given to them

would be kept and there would be prosperity for American economics. A huge part of American

life was security and opportunities; these were both being offered by Reagan in the next few

years. (new jobs, less taxes etc.) He even mentions “The benefits to the average American will

be striking.” A comment like this tells an average American how Reagan didn't forget about

them, and how all Americans are on this ride together, and nobody will be left behind. The rise

of conservatism came with this way of thinking, and was supported heavily by millions of

Americans. Reagan and the conservatives of his time utilize patriotism and American culture

captures the attitude of the American people as a nation and a world power; conservative. This

was the most important aspect of life to people at the time, which brushed aside social reforms

and social progress. Reagan's report was more than telling the American people what he was

going to do, it was a document telling the American people how he was going to take care of

them and their families.

Time Magazine - Japanese Industry 1981:

Analysis:

The document portrayed is a news article presented by TIME magazine in 1984 which

exemplifies the rise of Japanese influence and power in the United States. This specific article

reflects the significant influence of the Japanese automobile industry in the United States.

American car dealers such as General Motors began becoming frustrated as their car sales began

declining as Japanese cars were selling and being imported at a rate of 6,000 per day. The

import flood in the early 1980’s had given Japan 23% of the entire U.S. car market. Japanese

cars began being more attractive to buyers, especially in urban areas because of their smaller size

and lighter weight, making it easier to drive in smaller, more cramped cities. This rise of

Japanese cars in the US caused a great decline in major American automobile businesses.

The cover of this magazine shows a picture of what looks to be an angry Japanese person front

and center. The angriness on the person’s face leads American readers to believe that what

Japanese businesses are doing is wrong and evil towards the people of the United States. The

person seems to be holding a series of objects such as a camera, calculator and car keys. These

all represent the products making a huge impact on American imports. The car keys are shown

right in the person's hand, making it seem very important to what the magazine article will be

about. The writing just below the TIME magazine title states “How Japan Does It” in big white

font to make it stand out in the artwork. This title suggests that there is a trick or a mystery

behind their success in the American economy, making a reader want to read it that much more.

This artwork done on the front of a TIME magazine article is used to not only attract the

attention of citizens but to skew their opinion on Japanese products such as automobiles in the

1980’s.

Fire Alarm on Wall Street

Published: October 20, 1987

With stock prices down 22 percent in a single day and foreign investors racing for the exits, Oct.

19, 1987, ranks by most measures as the worst day in Wall Street's history.

But frightening as it is, the market collapse is the alarm, not the fire. It needn't lead to depression

or even a major setback in employment and income. But that means the big economic powers

finally have to fight the fire. They must, finally, coordinate a policy for stable growth.

Many investors were bloodied. Speculators who had borrowed heavily to bet on the rising

market and were forced to liquidate to meet collateral requirements were hurt most. Millions of

others -everyone from retirees with a few hundred shares of G.M. to conservative investors with

a few thousand in mutual funds - suffered from the $503 billion loss in the value of listed stocks.

Even these stunning losses, though, should have little direct effect on the day-to-day economy.

Kansas farmers will be able to grow as much wheat and Ford will be able to churn out as many

station wagons. Consumers may feel a little poorer, and thus less willing to part with their cash.

But economists believe this ''wealth effect'' is a relatively minor factor in a $3 trillion economy.

So where's the fire? Gigantic budget deficits in the Reagan years have soaked up domestic

savings, leaving America dependent on Japan and Europe for the capital to keep the economy

moving. Until now, foreigners have been happy to supply U.S. needs, trading stocks and bonds

and real estate in return for cash. But nothing guarantees the continuing flow of foreign cash.

Indeed, as yesterday demonstrates, nothing prevents a sudden reversal, with foreigners

scrambling to exchange dollars for yen or marks.

If foreign investors remain wary of U.S. securities because they fear a fall in markets or the

dollar, the Federal Reserve will face a no-win choice. It could make dollar investments more

attractive by raising interest rates. Or it could allow the dollar to fall and expand the domestic

money supply to replace the foreign capital. The first course would almost certainly cause

recession; the second is a sure recipe for inflation.

The only real hope for maintaining both price stability and prosperity is to strike a deal with

Japan and West Germany. They must reduce domestic interest rates, making dollar investments

more attractive and increasing the demand for imports without squeezing U.S. credit.

In return, the United States must sharply cut the budget deficit, reducing future dependence on

foreign capital and increasing confidence in America's ability to sustain a strong currency. To

make the deal credible to private investors, it would probably also be necessary for the economic

powers to pledge openly to intervene in foreign exchange markets to prevent a further slide in the

dollar. It's this last move that Treasury Secretary Baker may now be pursuing in Germany.

In a statement issued last night, the White House asserted that the ''underlying economy remains

sound.'' With the fire alarm wailing on Wall Street and the country anxious for leadership, it gets

an astonishing rerun of Herbert Hoover. When will Mr. Reagan start fighting the fire?

Analysis:

This article talks about one of the biggest stock markets crashes of United States history, Black

Monday, that exemplifies the boom and bust nature of America’s economy in the 80s, and

showed signs of economic weakness in the future.

The authors use of a fire alarm metaphor to describe the situation. He/she asserted that the rapid

stock market drop of 22 percent was an alarm to a fire that had been burning for quite some time

because of federal economic policies. The author contends that Reagan's tax reductions and trade

policies caused a huge federal budget deficit that was finally revealing itself. The market reacted

and while it was one of the worst days in Wall Street's history, impacts would only be felt by

individual investors such as in employee retirement funds, as well as big investors, but daily life

impacts for most people were predicted to be reduced by long term policies. The “fire” that the

article depicts is caused by the U.S. starting to become too dependent on Europe and Japan to

supply the economy in recent years. Since the U.S. was so dependent on foreigners, if they bailed

out and stopped supporting the U.S. than there could be some serious problems. Black Monday

showed an example of what could come if policies aren’t changed. If things got worse than the

government would either be forced to try to save the dollar which “would almost certainly cause

recession,” or they would have to let the value fall which would be a “sure recipe for inflation.”

The author suggested two remedies: deals with foreign countries to increase external cash flow

into the United States, but not too much as to incite dependence. Concomitantly, the author

argues that the federal government needed to curtail the deficit. Although, it was certainly

implied that this could be a combination of tax increases - a reversal of Reagan's drastic tax cuts,

along with cuts in spending. The author characterized the White House as being in denial and

was not optimistic about the Reagan's administration's inclination to act in accord with what

he/she deemed necessary. Overall this article is mostly calling out the government of the Reagan

administration to focus trying to create better policies that could prevent a problematic economy

in the future.

Besides being a warning sign for the United States’ future economy, this article also represents

the nature of what America’s economy had been throughout the 1980s. This stock crash was a

down in what was a decade filled with economic ups and downs.

FDA Political Cartoon 1983:

Analysis: This article directly attacks the Food and Drug Administration and their passive pace involving

the drug approval process for the AIDS disease. The drug needing to be approved is called

Azidothymidine (AZT), which slows the progress of the disease and even cures it in unborn

babies. HIV/AIDS or Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immune Deficiency

Syndrome is an illness that weakens the immune system. At first, many believed it was only

transmitted by homosexual men but in 1983, cases of females with the illness who had male

partners appeared, disproving that theory. This propaganda poster was released by the AIDS

Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), which became a very powerful organization who

practiced peaceful protesting and civil disobedience toward the issue.

The skulls represent the deaths of the people with the AIDS illness. The white and black

background contrast each other, making the skulls and the writing pop and attract to the eye. The

black background is a dark representation of the prominent death to come if the FDA doesn’t

start to respond to the situation. The quote written “Time isn’t the only thing the FDA is killing”

tells the reader that because the FDA is stalling on the approval of the drug and “wasting time”

on less important issues involving American health. This poster not only conveys a strong

meaning, but is easy for the viewer to understand and interpret.

This poster is so important because HIV and AIDS was such a huge social issue that had

just erupted in 1980. It not only took the lives of many, but it influenced and amplified the

prejudice against homosexuals because up until a heterosexual person was diagnosed with the

disease, it was believed to only be transferred between gay partners, mainly through the

attendance of bath houses. The HIV and AIDS epidemic in the United States brought upon a

huge social conflict during the 1980’s.

Newsweek Newsletter Document - Challenger Explosion 1986:

Analysis:

The image shown on the newspaper “Newsweek” is of the tragic explosion of the

Challenger space shuttle. Taking place on January 28th, 1986, the spaceship suddenly exploded

just after 73 seconds of being in the air. This accident claimed the lives of 7 astronauts, including

Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from New Hampshire who had been selected to join the mission

and teach lessons from space to schoolchildren around the country. Concluding the investigation

of what went wrong with the spacecraft, it was determined that two rubber O-rings, which had

been designed to separate the sections of the rocket booster, had failed due to cold temperatures

on the morning of the launch. The tragedy and its aftermath received extensive media coverage

and prompted NASA to suspend all shuttle missions. Most of the United States was devastated

when this terrible accident occurred.

On the magazine headline is a large picture of the actual explosion. This is used to grab the

attention of the viewer and shock them into reading the article. Most citizens knew of the

accident and this picture made it clear to what the magazine would mainly be about. The text

“What Went Wrong?” in big bold letters also grabs the reader’s attention, because when the

accident occurred nobody had any information on why the challenger suddenly exploded. This

phrase is also positioned to the side of the explosion on the blue background color of the sky to

make the writing pop or stand out. Underneath the “What Went Wrong?” headline is a phrase

outlined by red borders saying “The Future of Space Flight.” This quote leads the reader to

believe that NASA is not going to let an error in spaceship craftsmanship occur to this extent

again and that everyone is taking the situation very seriously. Socially, the explosion of the

challenger spacecraft caused national mourning and while tragic, was an important event

occurring in the 1980’s.

Jesse Jackson’s Address to the Democratic National Convention:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Tonight, we pause and give praise and honor to God for being good enough to allow us to

be at this place, at this time. When I look out at this convention, I see the face of America:

Red, Yellow, Brown, Black and White. We are all precious in God's sight - the real

rainbow coalition.

All of us - all of us who are here think that we are seated. But we're really standing on

someone's shoulders. Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Rosa Parks. The mother of the civil

rights movement.

[Mrs. Rosa Parks was brought to the podium.]

I want to express my deep love and appreciation for support my family has given me over

the past months. They have endured pain, anxiety, threat and fear. But they have been

strengthened and made secure by our faith in God, in America, and in you. Your love has

protected us and made us strong. To my wife Jackie, the foundation of our family; to our

five children whom you met tonight; to my mother, Mrs. Helen Jackson, who is present

tonight; and to our grandmother, Mrs. Matilda Burns; to my brother Chuck and his family;

to my mother-in-law, Mrs. Gertrude Brown, who just last month at age 61 graduated from

Hampton Institute - A marvelous achievement.

I offer my appreciation to Mayor Andrew Young who has provided such gracious

hospitality to all of us this week. And a special salute to President Jimmy Carter. President

Carter restored honor to the White House after Watergate. He gave many of us a special

opportunity to grow. For his kind words, for his unwavering commitment to peace in the

world, and for the votes that came from his family, every member of his family, led Billy

and Amy, I offer special thanks to the Carter family.

My right and my privilege to stand here before you has been won, won in my lifetime, by

the blood and the sweat of the innocent. Twenty-four years ago, the late Fannie Lou

Hamer and Aaron Henry - who sits here tonight from Mississippi - were locked out into

the streets in Atlantic City; the head of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

But tonight, a Black and White delegation from Mississippi is headed by Ed Cole, a Black

man from Mississippi; 24 years later.

Many were lost in the struggle for the right to vote: Jimmy Lee Jackson, a young student,

gave his life; Viola Liuzzo, a White mother from Detroit, called nigger lover, had her

brains blown out at point blank range; [Michael] Schwerner, [Andrew] Goodman and

[James] Chaney - two Jews and a Black - found in a common grave, bodies riddled with

bullets in Mississippi; the four darling little girls in a church in Birmingham, Alabama.

They died that we might have a right to live.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lies only a few miles from us tonight. Tonight he must feel

good as he looks down upon us. We sit here together, a rainbow, a coalition - the sons and

daughters of slave masters and the sons and daughters of slaves, sitting together around a

common table, to decide the direction of our party and our country. His heart would be full

tonight.

As a testament to the struggles of those who have gone before; as a legacy for those who

will come after; as a tribute to the endurance, the patience, the courage of our forefathers

and mothers; as an assurance that their prayers are being answered, their work have not

been in vain, and hope is eternal; tomorrow night my name will go into nomination for the

Presidency of the United States of America.

We meet tonight at the crossroads, a point of decision. Shall we expand, be inclusive, find

unity and power; or suffer division and impotence? We've come to Atlanta, the cradle of

the old South, the crucible of the new South. Tonight, there is a sense of celebration,

because we are moved, fundamentally moved from racial battlegrounds by law, to

economic common ground. Tomorrow we will challenge to move to higher ground.

Common ground! Think of Jerusalem, the intersection where many trails met. A small

village that became the birthplace for three religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Why was this village so blessed? Because it provided a crossroads there different people

met, different cultures, different civilizations could meet and find common ground. When

people come together, flowers always flourish - the air is rich with the aroma of a new

spring.

Take New York, the dynamic metropolis. What makes New York so special? It's the

invitation of the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses

who yearn to breathe free." Not restricted to English only. Many people, many cultures,

many languages - with one thing in common, they yearn to breathe free. Common ground!

Tonight in Atlanta, for the first time in this century, we convene in the South; a state where

Governors once stood in school house doors; where Julian Bond was denied a seal in the

State Legislature because of his conscientious objection to the Vietnam War; a city that,

through its five Black Universities, has graduated more black students than any city in the

world. Atlanta, now a modern intersection of the new South.

Common ground! That's the challenge of our party tonight. Left wing. Right wing.

Progress will not come through boundless liberalism nor static conservatism, but at the

critical mass of mutual survival - not at boundless liberalism nor static conservatism, but at

the critical mass of mutual survival. It takes two wings to fly. Whether you're a hawk or a

dove, you're just a bird living in the same environment, in the same world.

The Bible teaches that when lions and lambs lie down together, none will be afraid and

there will be peace in the valley. It sounds impossible. Lions eat lambs. Lambs sensibly

flee from lions. Yet when even lions and lambs will find common ground. Why? Because

neither lions nor lambs can survive nuclear war. If lions and lambs can find common

ground, surely we can as well - as civilized people.

The only time that we win is when we come together. In 1960, John Kennedy, the late

John Kennedy, beat Richard Nixon by only 112,000 votes - less than one vote per precinct.

He won by the margin of our hope. He brought us together. He reached out. He had the

courage to defy his advisors and inquire about Dr. King's jailing in Albany, Georgia. We

won by the margin of our hope, inspired by courageous leadership.

In 1964, Lyndon Johnson brought wings together - the thesis, the antithesis, and the

creative synthesis - and together we won.

In 1976, Jimmy Carter unified us again, and we won. When do we not come together, we

never win.

In 1968, the vision and despair in July led to our defeat in November. In 1980, rancor in

the spring and the summer led to Reagan in the fall.

Analysis: Jesse Jackson is an American civil right activist, a Baptist minister, and a politician. Jackson was

a Candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Jesse Jackson spoke

on the social unrest of the United States in the Address to the Democratic National Convention,

delivered in Atlanta, Georgia, July 19th 1988. Jackson's speech was during his run for the 1988

Democratic nomination to aid him in winning over supporters and was a closing to the age of

conservatism that he had around him. This address was crucial to the time because it is Jackson's

attempt to do as other great leaders have done; bring people together. He repetitively mentions

other leaders who helped bring the nation together and his hopes to follow in their footsteps.

Jackson was a one of the first successful African Americans to run for the president with coming

in with roughly 30% of the voters, but still lost. This did however, help inspire others to do as he

did and helped an entire wave of minority and democratic support in the coming years with

Democratic leader Bill Clinton being elected the following election in 1992. It helped shape

politics to be more of a people's movement more than just a “rich white man's game” which

helped create unity in the country. Jackson spent this time to open his speech with a statement

about American coming together at the speech to hear what he has to say. “I see the face of

America: Red, Yellow, Brown, Black and White.” This is his first attempt at helping those who

saw him as different as just another person in the community of the United States of America. He

makes sure to talk to all types of audiences during his speech referring to god, gays, lesbians,

blacks and whites and so on to capture every form of life in the United States of America. This

was new to the political game since most politicians strayed away from topics of minorities due

to the rooted hatred for them in America at the time socially. Jackson’s efforts resulted in the

closing of the age of conservatism that the 1980’s had been used to, and pushed out the older

republican beliefs to include more than just the general population.

Citations

"Ronald Reagan: Inaugural Address - January 20, 1981." The American Presidency Project. N.p.,

n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2017. <http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=43130>.

"Ronald Reagan: White House Report on the Program for Economic Recovery - February 18, 1981."

The American Presidency Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.

Moore, Kate. "International Collaboration: SCPC Participates in Russian Cartoon Exhibit." A Capital

Blog. N.p., 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.

"Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty)." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

<https://www.state.gov/t/avc/trty/102360.htm>. "TIME Magazine Cover: Japanese Industry - Mar. 30, 1981." Time. Time Inc., n.d. Web. 19 Apr.

2017.

"Fire Alarm on Wall Street." The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Oct. 1987. Web. 17 Apr. 2017. <http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/20/opinion/fire-alarm-on-wall-

street.html>.

"Newsweek Magazine: What Went Wrong, The Challenger Disaster, Volume 99, Number 6 by

Richard M. Smith, Editor - 1986 Feb. 10." Biblio.com. Ed. Richard M. Smith. N.p., n.d. Web.

19 Apr. 2017.

"Address to the DNC." Address to the DNC - Jesse Jackson 1988. EmersonKent, n.d. Web. 20 Apr.

2017.

"Poster Attacks Lack of Urgency in Aids Crisis." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2017,

americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/746425. Accessed 5 Apr. 2017.

Terms List

Moral revival -

Religion became an instrument of electoral politics, religious fundamentalists attacked "secular

humanism" as a godless creed, campaigned for return of prayers for school.

Reverse discrimination -

Imposed by the government’s support of racial and ethnic quotas.

Election of 1980 -

Reagan vs Carter, Reagan's election broke up a key element of the New Deal coalition by taking

over 50% of blue collar vote. Marked the end of a half century of Democratic dominance.

Reaganomics -

Tax cuts reduced government spending, increase investment by the private sector and lead to

increased production, jobs, and prosperity. Contrasted with Keynesian economics favored by

democrats that relied on government spending to boost consumer income and demand.

Impact of Reaganomics -

Reduced restrictions on free market economy and left more money in the hands of investors and

higher income Americans. Succeeded in containing the growth of New Deal - Great Society

welfare. National debt tripled, federal deficits began to impact political debates.

Federal tax reduction and spending cuts -

Republicans cut over 40 bills from domestic programs (food stamps, student loans etc.) however

these savings were offset by a dramatic increase in military spending.

James Watt -

Secretary of state, opened federal lands for increased coal and timber productions.

Labor Unions -

Reagan took a tough stand against them. He fired thousands of striking air traffic controllers and

decertified their union. Anti Union policies along with loss of manufacturing jobs hastened the

decline of union membership.

Economic Recovery –

Widened the gap between rich and poor.

Yuppies -

Young urban professionals, enjoyed higher incomes and material benefits.

HIV/AIDS -

Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Recognized in

the United States by the CDC in 1981. Huge source of social discrimination, especially towards

homosexuals.

“Gay Man’s Disease” –

Discriminatory slang term used to describe HIV/AIDS before it was known to be contagious

between homosexuals and heterosexuals.

Election of 1984 –

Ronald Reagan won easily against Walter Mondale. Reagan won every state but Michigan,

giving him 528 electoral votes (out of 538). This is the highest total received by a presidential

candidate.

Trade War (U.S. v Japan) -

American access to the Japanese market for U.S. beef, oranges, tobacco, rice,

telecommunications, autos and auto parts became major political issues that spawned tough

negotiations and angry rhetoric on both sides.

Military buildup -

Spent billions on new weapons including the B1 bomber and MX missile and expanded the US

navy, under Reagan

SDI (strategic defense initiative) -

ambitious plan for building a high-tech system of laser and particle beams to destroy enemy

missiles. Critics called it "Star Wars" and argued it would only escalate the arms race.

Grenada -

Reagan ordered a small force of marines to invade the island to prevent the establishment of a

strategic communist military base.

Central America -

Reagan supported "friendly" right wing dictators to keep out communism and worked to

overthrow Marxist regimes in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Iran-Contra affair -

Selling US antitank and antiaircraft missiles to Iran's government for its help in freeing the

Americans held hostage by a radical Arab group. Used the profits of the arms deal with Iran to

fund contras in Nicaragua. Reagan denied knowledge of the illegal diversion of funds.

“Evil of the Empire” –

What Ronald Reagan called the Soviet Union

Mikhail Gorbachev -

8th and final leader of the Soviet Union, attempted to change soviet domestic policies. Had to end

the costly arms race and deal with the deteriorating economy.

INF agreement -

Reagan and Gorbachev agreed to destroy all intermediate range missiles, eventually Soviets

began to pull troops from Afghanistan.

Glasnost -

Openness, an end to political repression and move toward greater political freedom

Perestroika -

Restructuring of soviet economy by introducing free market practices.

Election of 1988 -

George H. Bush v Michael Dukakis. Bush won it.

Tiananmen Square -

Chinese communist government crushed protest by pro democracy students with tanks, killing

hundreds and ending the brief flowering of an open political environment

Eastern Europe -

Communism began to fall, Berlin Wall torn down, the two Germany's reunited, USSR broke up

Boris Yeltsin –

1st president of Russian republic, joined with nine former Soviet republics to form a loose

confederation (CIS), disbanded the Communist party and attempted to establish a democracy and

free market economy.

START II (Treaty) -

Bush and Gorbachev agreed to reduce nuclear weapons to just over 3000 each, also offered US

economic assistance to USS

Invasion of Panama -

Ordered by bush to remove the autocratic General Manuel Noriega. Code named “Operation Just

Cause,” this was an invasion of Panama by the United States between mid-December 1989 and

late January 1990.

General Truth

Due to Reagan’s strong influence as president for most of the 1980s, the decade will be forever

known as the Reagan Era. The decade where the republican party was championed and

absolutely engulfed all aspects of American Life. Affecting everything from the tax breaking

economy to the struggle of the AIDS epidemic, this decade was truly the age of conservatism.

Multiple Choice Questions

1) How did the intermediate range nuclear forces treaty help to bring an end to the cold war?

a) By forcing the Soviet forces to withdraw from Afghanistanb) Agreeing to disallow the of use nuclear weaponsc) By negotiating for an era of temporary peaced) By confirming to stop the use of missiles between the range of 500-5500 kme) Forming a buffer zone between the United States and Soviet Union

2) Which of the below did not help to loosen tensions between the U.S. and Russia?

a) START Ib) The Strategic Defense Initiativec) SALT IId) The fall of the Berlin Walle) The INF treaty

3) Which statement best summarizes the United States economy of the 1980s?

a) A constant era of growthb) A recession throughout most of the decadec) Fluctuating with times of recession and times of growthd) A steady decrease of the national debte) It began with a time of great growth, but ended with a small depression

4) The stock market crash of 1987 was due to

a) The United States’ increased dependence on Europe and Japanese economiesb) The new economic policies enforced by George H. W. Bushc) The trend of increased economic independenced) An increase in people’s fear to use private bankse) Too many U.S. business owners had invested in stocks

5) What changes took place in the workplace during the 1980’s?

a) An increase in male workers and decrease in female workers

b) An increase in female workers and decrease in male workersc) A steady increase of both male and female workersd) A steady decrease of both male and female workerse) None of the above

6) Reagan’s attitude towards the Berlin wall was

a) To expand peacekeeping effortsb) Pursuing free trade beyond the wallc) Asserting U.S. opposition to communismd) Reestablishing the American principle of isolationisme) Avoiding military conflict with the Soviet Union

7) What social activist was one of the first to prove that an African American could compete in the presidential race?

a) Jesse Jacksonb) Martin Luther King Jrc) Alice Walkerd) Ruby Bridgese) Guion Bluford

8) Why did ACT UP protest the FDA?

a) They didn’t want their tax money to go to help fight AIDSb) The FDA was resisting aiding homosexualsc) The FDA deemed the drug uselessd) Homosexuals didn’t have the same human rights lawse) The FDA was not approving a drug to help HIV/AIDS patients

9) How did the rise of conservatism in America affect the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic?

a) It helped it by pushing better health insurance lawsb) It caused the epidemic to struggle more and caused more prejudice against homosexuals

c) The rise of conservatism did not affect the AIDS epidemic in any significant wayd) By causing a decrease in taxes it allowed AIDS patients to better pay for treatmente) It influenced government organizations to support local hospitals

10) What was the attitude towards the Democratic Party going into the 1980s?

a) That they were the dominant political partyb) Their values strongly reflected that of most of the nationc) The party was confused and uninformedd) They were a smaller but growing partye) Most people aligned with the party because of its general economic policies

11) Which popular game came out in the 1980s?

a) Tomb Raiderb) Pacmanc) Ballzd) Ponge) Wreck-It Ralph

12) Which state was the only state to vote Democratic during the 1984 election?

a) Californiab) Mainec) Texasd) Minnesotae) New York

13) Which figurehead from the 1980’s was a movie star?

a) Jimmy Carterb) Walter Mondalec) Fred Barnesd) Jesse Jacksone) Ronald Reagan