Ccydhistory
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Democrat
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Republican
Republican
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Domestic changes brought in by Presidents Reagan, Bush Snr and Clinton
Ronald Reagan (1981-89)
Former film star Reagan was elected President in 1981, during a global recession, he believed in rugged individualism and decided the best action to take for the US was to cut taxes for big business and the rich. This, he said, would create jobs and encourage more spending. He also cut welfare spending by $20 billion. This approach failed, government debt grew as not enough taxes were being collected to pay for the services it provided. His economic policies became known as ‘Reaganomics’. He also spent $26 billion on a nuclear space station which became known as the ‘Star Wars’ programme – this was a further drain on the economy.
Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
Clinton defeated Bush Snr in the 1992 election; Americans blamed Bush for the economic downturn. Clinton aimed to reduce the deficit, whilst at the same time invest more money in education and welfare. He was extremely successful; by 1996 he reduced the deficit to $106 billion and in 1998 he balanced the budget – the first time it had been done since 1969. He oversaw the largest period of economic growth in US history and also reduced unemployment figures to a 30 year low. He introduced a minimum wage of $4.75. He was an extremely popular President. However, he was involved in an affair with a member of his staff, Monica Lewinsky. His famous claim ‘I did not have sexual relations with that woman’ proved to be a lie!
George Bush Snr (1989-1993)
Bush had been Reagan’s Vice president and was elected President in 1988. He inherited Reagan’s budget deficit of $220 billion. He was forced to increase taxes on the rich and also cut military spending. However, the budget deficit rose to $300 billion, unemployment figures rose to 8% and 14% of Americans lived in poverty. In 1992 race riots broke out after the arrest and beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles. On a more positive note, he introduced the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This important act forbade discrimination of people with disabilities in employment and transportation. He also introduced the Clean Air Act.
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