Reagan era

Definition

The period of American politics dominated by President Ronald Reagan (1981–1989), characterized by conservative policies including tax cuts, deregulation, increased military spending, and opposition to the Soviet Union. Reagan's philosophy of smaller government and free-market economics reshaped the Republican Party and American political debate.

Examples

  • Reagan's 1981 tax cuts reduced the top income tax rate from 70% to 28%
  • The Strategic Defense Initiative ('Star Wars') proposed a missile defense system
  • Reagan's 'Tear down this wall' speech at the Berlin Wall in 1987
Key Fact

Ronald Reagan served as president from 1981 to 1989.

Related Terms

Cold war Liberal vs conservative Fiscal and monetary policy Political parties

Study This Concept

Practice Reagan era with free review games in these units:

AP US History Unit 9: 1980-Present: Modern Era