Answer 1
Answer: Reagan and Bush reversed liberal policies, creating a less regulated economy and working to dismantle the welfare state. Conservative policies, however, did not threaten programs such as Social Security and Medicare, which continued to enjoy public support. The transformation in policies and economic changes during these years did not benefit all Americans; both working-class Americans and white-collar workers faced hardships.
Answer 2
Answer: Many Americans supported the struggle against apartheid. In 1986, Congress applied sanctions, which included a prohibition of new American investments in South Africa. Many American firms left South Africa. Such economic pressure helped persuade South Africa's new Prime Minister, Frederik W. De Klerk, that changes must be made. Nelson Mandela, a long-time leader of the fight against apartheid, was released from prison after 27 years. Mandela became president.
Answer 3
Answer: In Nicaragua Reagan opposed the Sandinistas, who overthrew the repressive Somoza government in 1979. Reagan's National Security Council secretly sold arms to Iran and used the funds to aid the Nicaraguan contras. In El Salvador, Reagan funneled billions of dollars to the antirevolutionary government. Reagan sent marines to overthrow a leftist government on the island of Grenada. Bush sent U.S. troops into Panama. For years, U.S. policy was driven by Cold War ideology.
Answer 4
Answer: In August 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. Early in 1991 a 28-nation alliance led by Bush struck back at Iraq, driving the Iraqis out of Kuwait. The allies declared victory, but Saddam Hussein remained in power and used his forces against minorities.
Answer 5
Answer: Reagan began his first term by pursuing a Cold War policy toward the Soviet Union. He proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative. In his second term he developed a working relationship with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Through summit meetings they agreed to reduce nuclear arsenals in Europe. Bush continued the policy of arms reduction. The START agreement (1991) reduced the number of long-range missiles on both sides. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, President Bush and Russia's Yeltsin in 1992 formally declared the Cold War over.
Answer 6
Answer: As workplaces mechanized and service industries grew, Americans faced downsizing and new jobs with less pay and benefits. Work time increased and leisure time decreased. Workers encountered more stress. Women workers coped with a double load with work and home. Boom and bust cycles kept the situation unsettled. Unions were less able to protect workers and lost membership. Farmers coped with over productivity, falling prices, and foreclosures. Even upswings failed to change the fundamental economic stability.