The Reagan Revolution: Politics, Economics, and the Cold War

CrashCourse

This episode of Crash Course US History explores the presidency of Ronald Reagan and the significant political shift known as the 'Reagan Revolution.' Host John Green analyzes how Reagan built a winning coalition of economic conservatives, the religious right, and Cold War hawks to win the 1980 election against Jimmy Carter. The video delves into the core tenets of Reagan's domestic policy, specifically 'supply-side' or 'trickle-down' economics, examining the theory behind tax cuts and deregulation versus the economic realities of the 1980s, including rising national debt and wealth inequality. The narrative also covers Reagan's foreign policy, tracing the evolution from aggressive anti-Soviet rhetoric and massive military spending (including the controversial 'Star Wars' program) to diplomatic breakthroughs with Mikhail Gorbachev that helped de-escalate the Cold War. The video provides a balanced look at the era, highlighting both the economic boom for Wall Street and the struggles of lower-income Americans, including the rise in homelessness. Finally, the video unpacks the complexities of the Iran-Contra scandal, using it to discuss executive power and accountability. This resource is excellent for helping students navigate the complexities of modern American conservatism, the economic theories that still drive political debate today, and the end of the Cold War. It encourages critical thinking about 'Great Man' history versus the role of broader social forces.