The Elections

Question 1

What were the 1980 election results?

Answer 1

50.7% Reagan (489 ECV), 41% Carter (49 ECV)

Question 2

What were some of Carter’s policies & failures?

Answer 2

1. Faced humiliation (USSR occupation of Afghanistan 1979)
2. Boycott of 1980 Moscow Olympics
3. Economy in recession (high inflation, high interest, unemployment
4. Nov 4 1979 - group of Iranian students stormed US Embassy in Tehran, took 60+ hostages as allowed deposed Shah to come to US

Question 3

What was Reagan’s promises and his appeal?

Answer 3

1. Charismtaitc - attacked Carter’s perceived/real failings
2. Strength as campaigner
3. End to economic hardship
4. Backed by religious fundamentalists
5. Support from women sick of feminism

Question 4

Why had Americans lost confidence in country and politics by 1980?

Answer 4

Foreign policies of Carter e.g. Iran, Olympics + high inflation/taxes

Question 5

How can Reagan’s policies be compared to the Republican policies of the 1920s?

Answer 5

1. Anti-union - air controller strike 1981 labelled as illegal, fired after didn’t return for 48 hours
2. Rugged individualism - divided poor into worthy poor and feckless poor
3. Tax reduction - 70% to 25% - big business to monopolise industry

Question 6

Why did the religious right vote for Reagan?

Answer 6

Spoke about religion + tradition while being first Republican President

Question 7

Why did Conservatives vote for him?

Answer 7

Against union + industrial action, wanted to protect business rights, against welfare cheats

Question 8

Why did women vote for him?

Answer 8

“Feminist backlash” - resented progress made because of Civil Rights Movement

Question 9

Why did big business vote for him?

Answer 9

Anti-legislation

Question 10

Why did the military vote for him?

Answer 10

Higher spending, anti-communist