Ep: 28 Ronald Reagan's Presidency 1981 - 1983 Iwan Morgan

After a bit of a hiatus, I’m back with something special to share. I’ve just contributed a chapter to Iain Dale’s new book American Elections, writing about one of the most dramatic contests in U.S. history: the election of 1800.This was the clash between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, a bitter rematch that not only shaped America’s political system but also set the stage for the peaceful transfer of power, a principle that still defines democracy today.In this episode, I take you through the stakes, the personalities, and the fallout of 1800:Why Adams and Jefferson, once allies, became fierce rivals.How mudslinging and partisanship took American politics to new lows.The role of Aaron Burr in one of the closest and most chaotic elections ever.And why Jefferson later called it the “Revolution of 1800.”If you’re fascinated by the roots of American democracy and the political battles that still echo today, you’ll want to hear this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Sep 20min

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia is a deeply personal and heartfelt podcast series that explores the impact of dementia on Glenroy Brown, a man of remarkable character, and his family. Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and expert insights, we share the journey of his life, from his early years in Jamaica to his current experiences with dementia. This series offers an intimate look at the challenges, changes, and unexpected joys that come with living with this condition, providing support and understanding to families facing similar challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 Maj 20243min

Description:In this episode, we delve into the intricate web of events that defined Ronald Reagan's presidency. From the Iran-Contra affair's explosive revelations to the ground-breaking negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, we explore the highs and lows of Reagan's time in office. Discover how Reagan navigated the brink of impeachment, his strategic dealings with the USSR, and the eventual thawing of Cold War tensions. Join us as we uncover the last term and the complex legacy of a president who faced enormous challenges both domestically and on the world stage.Show Notes:Iran-Contra Affair: Unravel the scandal that almost toppled Reagan's presidency. Understand the implications of the arms sales to Iran and the diversion of funds to the Contras.Reagan's Crisis Management: Analyse how Reagan's response to the scandal differed from Nixon's during Watergate and the role of the Tower Commission.Diplomatic Dance with Gorbachev: Explore the intricate negotiations between Reagan and Gorbachev, leading to groundbreaking arms reduction treaties.The Cold War Thaw: Delve into the summits that symbolised a major shift in Soviet-American relations and the steps towards ending the Cold War.Reagan's Economic Policies: Examine the impact of Reagan's economic policies, from battling inflation to the growth of income inequality.Legacy and Influence: Reflect on Reagan's legacy and his influence on future American politics, including his post-presidential life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Feb 202439min

Between 1984 and 1986, Ronald Reagan, was in his second term of office after defeating Walter Mondale in a landslide victory in the 1984 election:Domestic Policy:Reagan enacted significant tax reforms with the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which simplified the tax code by reducing rates and removing several tax breaks.He continued to implement economic policies known as "Reaganomics," inspired by supply-side economics, focusing on tax cuts and reduction in government spending, except for military expenditure.The federal debt increased significantly due to the combination of tax cuts and an increase in defense spending, leading to budget deficits.Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which enacted sweeping changes to U.S. immigration law and granted amnesty to three million illegal immigrants.The ramifications of Ronald Reagan's war on drugs included escalated incarceration rates, disproportionately impacting communities of color, and fostering a punitive approach to drug policy. Additionally, his administration's initial indifference to the AIDS epidemic contributed to delayed research and intervention efforts, exacerbating the crisis, particularly among marginalised populations.Reagan appointed William Rehnquist as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1986, elevating him from his position as an Associate Justice. This change was part of Reagan's broader impact on the Court, emphasizing a conservative shift in its composition and decisions.Foreign Policy:The administration faced controversy over covert arms sales to Iran to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, leading to the Iran-Contra scandal, which resulted in the conviction or resignation of several administration officials.Public Perception:Reagan's presidency during this period was marked by a revival of national confidence and prestige. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Sep 202331min

During Ronald Reagan's first term in office from 1983 to 1984, his presidency faced several defining moments and policy initiatives. One key event was the escalating Cold War with the Soviet Union. Reagan pursued a robust defence policy, increasing military spending with his Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) or "Star Wars" program, which aimed to develop missile defence systems.In foreign affairs, Reagan faced challenges in Central America, where he supported anti-communist movements, including the Contras in Nicaragua. His administration also navigated through the Lebanese Civil War and the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut.Reagan's leadership style was characterized by his ability to communicate strongly, most notably exemplified in his "Evil Empire" speech overall, the end of Reagan's first term was marked by continued Cold War tensions and rising economic prosperity, and an assertive foreign policy.Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/10americanpresidentsMake a one off donation here paypal.me/roifield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Sep 202328min

In this episode of "10 American Presidents," we focus on the years that paved the way for Ronald Reagan's momentous ascent to the presidency. Join our esteemed host, Professor Iwan Morgan, as he chronicles Reagan's political trajectory from 1973 to his election in 1980. Delve into the pivotal events, strategic decisions, and defining moments that shaped Reagan's path to the White House during this crucial period.1. Introduction: - Professor Iwan Morgan sets the stage, highlighting the political landscape of the 1970s and the factors that propelled Reagan to prominence. - Exploring the emergence of Reagan's political ideology and his appeal to a growing conservative base.2. The California Years: - Tracing Reagan's influential tenure as Governor of California (1967-1975) and its impact on his national political ambitions. - Examining Reagan's early adoption of conservative principles and his ability to connect with voters on both personal and ideological levels.3. National Recognition: - Unpacking Reagan's transition from a regional figure to a national political force. - Discussing his role as a prominent spokesperson for conservative causes and his growing influence within the Republican Party.4. Challenging the Incumbent: - Detailing Reagan's spirited challenge to President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976. - Analyzing the implications of Reagan's narrow loss and the strategic adjustments that shaped his subsequent campaigns.5. The 1980 Campaign: - Exploring Reagan's successful bid for the Republican nomination in 1980, navigating primary challenges and securing the party's support. - Discussing the key moments and strategies that propelled Reagan to victory in the general election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 Juli 202329min

Iwan Morgan is a Professor of US Studies emeritus at the Institute of the Americas, University College London, UK. He is also a distinguished fellow of the Rothermere American Institute, University of Oxford, UK.He served as chair of the executive committee of the Historians of the Twentieth Century United States from 2007 to 2013 and was a member of the executive committee of the British Association of American Studies from 2009-2012. he spoke to Roifield on Zoom with a select group of listeners in 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 Feb 20231h 11min