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This unit bundles student expectations related to a larger role the United States played in international affairs from 1970-1990 and the domestic challenges faced by the Nixon, Carter, and Reagan administrations. This unit is primarily a study of foreign relations and responses to social changes. The decades of 1970s and 1980s were characterized by increasing globalization and with that a growing presence of the United States in international affairs. It is during this period that President Nixon re-established relations with China and negotiated détente with the Soviet Union. It is during President Carter’s administration that U.S. involvement in the Middle East increased as officials sought to protect the sovereignty of Israel while also forging relations with oil-producing nations in the region. Carter was instrumental in negotiating the Camp David Accords,to only later be consumed by the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979. President Reagan was committed to the United States being the defender of democracy and freedom in the world. It was during his administration that the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union transformed as the Soviet system began to collapse, yet the final end of the Cold War came during the presidency of George H.W. Bush. Domestically the time period was characterized by many challenges including the Watergate scandal, economic stagflation of the 1970s, and an energy crisis. The decades were marked by changing settlement patterns, a growing environmentalist movement, and the resurgence of political conservatism. An examination of the 1970s-1990 in U.S. history is important for understanding the complexity of American international relationships and policies.
2A: The student understands traditional historical points of reference in U.S. history from 1877 to the present. The student is expected to Identify major eras in US history from 1877 to the present and describe defining characteristics
2A: The student understands traditional historical points of reference in U.S. history from 1877 to the present. The student is expected to Identify major eras in US history from 1877 to the present and describe defining characteristics
Conservative Resurgence (1970-1990’s)
Nixon and relationship with China
Reagan’s Economic Policies
“Peace through Strength”
Involvement in the Middle East
Economic Impacts
Economic Impacts
The U.S. economy faced several challenges in the 1970’s. America was dealing with an energy shortage, high inflation and high unemployment.
Jimmy Carter imposed economic sanctions on Iran in response to the Hostage Crisis.
Reagan’s economic policies did result in the strengthening of the U.S. economy through tax cuts and reforms. He reduced government spending and balanced the federal budget. Unemployment rates and inflation dropped over the course of his two terms.
Reagan’s policies led to a 4% growth in America’s GDP although many criticize the amount of national debt acquired during that time.
Social Impacts
Social Impacts
The growing AIDS epidemic fueled research towards a cure and education on preventative measures.
The “Just say No” campaign was advertised in retaliation of the growing drug problem.
Political Impacts
Political Impacts
Nixon created an open line of communication between the U.S. and China.
Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate Scandal fueled concerns over politicians and their integrity.
The Iran Hostage Crisis strained international relations.
The resurgence of conservative values and beliefs emerged in the 1980’s through a number of avenues including the Moral Majority and the Heritage Foundation.
Reagan initiated sweeping economic reforms that had advantages and disadvantages.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Endangered Species Act were created to improve environmental concerns.
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