United States History, Reagan Revolution through President Obama - Essay Example

?United s History, Reagan Revolution through President Obama Since the proclamation, of America independence and period after the civil war there has as been tremendous changes in America history. Most of these events have been described as a significant turning point in America history, and they managed to change America in one way or another permanently. The America societies have been transformed by these events. Even today, major historical turning points still occur in America. In the period between Reagan and Obama administration, there have been various historical turning points. This took place in the last period of 19th century and continued in the first decade of 21st century. During the Reagan, administration the most significant turning point was the policy saw the economic boom during his period and revival of America military strength. In administration after Reagan, there have been changes in foreign policy. In foreign policy, the administration has focused on terrorism (Schachter, 2012). This paper seeks to discuss events that were influential during Reagan Revolution through President Obama and the impact they have had on America society. From the time of Reagan revolution through president Obama administration, there have been outstanding historical turning points that revolutionized and transformed America. In time of Reagan, administration there was massive economic revival through tax reforms and a powerful arm race never seen in America history. Moreover, there was a reduction in money to the welfare programs and other forms of aids. The other historic turning points were a change in foreign policy that focused on war especially the gulf war propagated by the Bush administration, and war on terrorism. Moreover, this period saw heightened fight against terrorism. This happened especially after 1993 attack and 9/11 attack. This will remain forever in America history. The events that took place during Reagan Revolution through President Obama transformed America society in terms of economy, politics, and culture. The tax reforms during Reagan revolution transformed America economy. These policies adopted by Reagan came to be known as ‘Reganomics’ (Digital History, n.d). They were meant to improve the economy efficiency. These reforms included cut in federal personal income tax, deregulation policy, and comprehensive tax reforms. As a result, there was control on both banks and oil industries. Moreover, he lifted the ceiling on interest rates, and federal price control on airfares. The deregulation resulted in increased bank rate competition. Natural oil price rose as well as the production and this led to reduced reliance on foreign fuel. Airfare was also reduced drastically, but fares for short distances rose. Consequently, at the time of exit from office the America economy was at the highest peak for a long period after World War II. The rate of unemployment also reduced significantly. The economy growth was also first, and less inflation was experienced since the mid 1960’s (Digital History, n.d). In addition, Reagan administration reduced funding to social programs. He considered these programs to be promoting laziness, promiscuity, moral decadency and other forms of social ills. In contrast, this led to upsurge in various social ills in society. There was increased rate of drug use than witnessed in United States history. Moreover, during this period there was increased number of diseases especially the Aids pandemic that killed many people in the world. His administration was incompetent in handling AIDS epidemic. In terms of arm race, there was double military spending during Regan administration. This was to reduce the threat posed by communism during the Cold War period. As a result, the influence of Russia was curtailed, and this led to the fall of communism. This led to America becoming a world superpower as it is today. (“How great was Ronald Reagan?” n.d). Reagan left the America stronger, more prosperous, and more confident than he found it. The fight against terrorism and threats posed in America also remains a historical turning point in the last part of 19th century and beginning of 21st century. This remains a singular focus in America society. America politics remains to be shaped by focus on fight against terrorism. America society also continues to live in constant threat from terrorist groups in various parts of the world. AIDs epidemic shook American’s general confidence beginning in the 1980’s. This was most evident especially during the Reagan era. Initially, AIDS was considered a disease of homosexuals. As a result, this was ignored in America at this period. President Reagan was reluctant on the effects of AIDS, and was even adamant to allow discussion about AIDS. However, this disease extended its boundary and started to spread to non-gay communities. In 1981, a number of people died because of AIDS and this prompted various agencies to act. Moreover, AIDS affected other high profile people and some people died few months after diagnosis. Initially, various prejudices and stigmas relating AIDS took place in America society. However, the government continued to ignore various statistics. Consequently, many Americans lived in fear as they were unaware of mode of transmission and who was vulnerable (Osmond, 2003). The deregulation policy adopted by Reagan administration continues to affect America today. The issue of free market is still an underlying theme in America society. America ideologies are inclined towards free market more than two decades after Reagan. Secondly, America continues to shift away from reliance on foreign fuel. There are policies in place to ensure America relies on its own form of energy and fuel. Additionally, the deregulation policy adopted by Reagan continues to shape Republican economic policy since then (Peltzman, 1998). There are various basis and facts as to why America decided to go to war with Afghanistan and Iraq after the 9/11 attack. After the attack, the bush administration changed its perception on terrorism and threats to homeland security. His administration argument was that victory in Iraq and Afghanistan would be a major victory against the threats posed by terrorism. Moreover, there was both congress and public support for America to fight terrorism at all cost. The interest of American people security was the paramount thing. All this was to ensure that America would not be under attack again. The international community was against military intervention (Congress, n.d). As a result, only Britain supported America going to war while china and Russia condemned the act of aggression. In conclusion, the history of America as a nation is great. Arguably, it is one characterized by various events both positive and negative. Moreover, from the time of Reagan to Obama administration there has been various events that are difficult to erase in America history. Of the most significance is the deregulation policy adopted by Reagan, effects of AIDS and other social ills and rise of terrorist activities. References Congress. (n.d).Congressional Record. New York: Government Printing Office Digital History. (n.d). The Reagan Doctrine. Retrieved from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=404. How great was Ronald Reagan? (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/about/press/how-great-was-ronald-reagan-40th-president-place-in-history Osmond, D. (2003). Beginnings of the AIDS Epidemic. Retrieved from http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-01-03 Peltzman, S. (1998). Political Participation and Government Regulation. New York: University of Chicago Press Schachter, H. (2012). The State of Citizen Participation in America. New York: IAP Read More