Carter Reagan 1977 -1989 I II Intro

Carter & Reagan (1977 -1989) I. II. Intro Carter (1977 -81) A. “The Man” B. Middle East C. Crises • Economy & Hostages III. Reagan (1981 -89) A. Election & Vision B. Reality & Legacy IV. Conc. • • Key Terms Camp David Accords Misery Index Hostage Crisis Reaganomics

Carter “The Man” Background • Served in the Navy; a farmer turned Georgia Governor • Pledged to be honest (1924 - )

Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Home

Israel • Following Israel’s creation (1948) intense conflict occurred between Israel & Arab nations in Middle East • Carter hoped to forge peace in the region

Camp David Accords (1979) • Agreement between Egypt Israel. • Egypt became first Arab nation to recognize Israel’s government. • Israel agreed to withdraw from Egyptian territory (Sinai Peninsula). Sadat, Carter & Begin

Video Clip: Camp David Accords

Energy & Economic Crisis Misery Index • Inflation + Unemployment 1976: “Unacceptable” • Inflation: 6% • Unemployment: 8% 1980: Worse • Inflation: 14% • Unemployment: 7% l. Is the US becoming a 2 nd rate power…? • 1970: $. 35/gallon • 1979: $1. 00/gallon

Two Iranian Leaders The US supported & aided him from 1953 -1979 The Shah, Reza Pahlavi (1919 -1980) He led a Revolution in Iran (1979); very anti-US Ayatollah Khomeini (1900 -1989)

Hostage Crisis (1979 -1981) • 53 Americans were taken hostage; rescue attempt failed. • Held hostage 444 days • Is US becoming a 2 nd rate power…? An American hostage in Iran

Hostage Crisis (1979 -1981)

Carter Presidency (1977 -1981) • By 1980 Carter was terribly unpopular in US Jimmy Carter

Reagan “The Man” • • Background He was an actor Governor of CA “Great Communicator” US was NOT a 2 nd Rate World Power (1981 -1989) Image Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

1980 Election Carter & Reagan shake hands after one of their debates

1980 Election • Reagan asked: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago? ” 1980 Election Image Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Reagan’s Vision “Reaganomics” • Cut taxes & spending • Communism was wrong • Revive US economy & balance budget

Reaganomics vs. Reality “Reaganomics” • Cut taxes & spending • Communism was wrong • Revive US economy & balance budget Reality • Biggest tax cut in US history; big cuts in social programs • USSR= “Evil Empire” & major defense build-up • Overall economy grew, but deficit skyrocketed & poverty increased

Reagan’s Legacy • Huge national debt • End of Cold War (1989) • INF Treaty (US & USSR) – Reduced nuclear missiles in Europe • He helped Americans feel good again! • Was US becoming a 2 nd rate power… NO! Reagan & Gorbachev

National Debt Skyrockets

Carter, Reagan & A New Century I. II. Intro Carter (1977 -81) A. “The Man” B. Middle East C. Crises • Economy & Hostages III. Reagan (1981 -89) A. “The Man” B. Vision, Reality & Legacy IV. Toward a New Century A. 1990 s • • Key Terms Camp David Accords Misery Index Hostage Crisis Reaganomics