Chapter 17: US Foreign Policy in the Late Twentieth Century

#16.3 The 1980s and Early 1990s

1. The Rise of Ronald Reagan:

- Reaganomics: Reagan, elected in 1980, promised a new era of economic prosperity based on tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation of businesses. This was known as "Reaganomics," which aimed to stimulate the economy through supply-side economics. While it did lead to a period of economic growth, it also increased the national debt significantly.
- Military Buildup: Reagan drastically increased military spending, aiming to counter the perceived Soviet threat and strengthen America's global position. This included developing new weapons systems like the Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars”) and increasing the size of the military.
- Cold War Resurgence: Reagan's tough stance towards the Soviet Union, often described as "peace through strength," led to a renewed Cold War tension. He called the Soviet Union an "evil empire" and actively supported anti-communist movements worldwide.

2. The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the End of the Cold War:

- Gorbachev's Reforms: By 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev, the new Soviet leader, initiated reforms known as "perestroika" (economic restructuring) and "glasnost" (openness). These reforms aimed to modernize the Soviet economy and allow for greater political freedom.
- The Berlin Wall Falls: In 1989, the Berlin Wall, a symbol of Cold War division, fell. This was a major turning point, signaling the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War.
- The Dissolution of the Soviet Union: In 1991, the Soviet Union formally dissolved, marking the end of the Cold War and leaving the United States as the sole superpower.

3. The Gulf War and the New World Order:

- The Invasion of Kuwait: In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, a small oil-rich nation. This sparked a global crisis, and President George H.W. Bush, who succeeded Reagan in 1989, assembled a coalition of nations to liberate Kuwait.
- The Gulf War: A major military operation, the Gulf War, began in January 1991. Despite a swift victory for the coalition forces, the war raised concerns about the potential for future conflict in the Middle East.
- The "New World Order": The Gulf War led to a new era of international relations, often referred to as the "New World Order." This concept emphasized international cooperation and the United States' leadership in enforcing international law and order.

4. The Rise of China and the Economic Transformation:

- China's Economic Growth: As the Cold War ended, China, under Deng Xiaoping, began a period of rapid economic growth, fueled by market reforms and foreign investment. This transformation made China a major global player in the 21st century.
- The Globalization of the Economy: The end of the Cold War also coincided with the rise of globalization, driven by advances in technology and communication. This led to increased trade and economic interdependence between nations, with the United States playing a significant role in shaping this new global economic order.

5. The Legacy of the 1980s and Early 1990s:

- The End of an Era: This period marked the end of the Cold War, a defining era in American history. It also brought about a new global context, with the US facing new challenges and opportunities in a world without a clear rival superpower.
- The Rise of New Challenges: With the fall of the Soviet Union, new threats emerged, including the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, ethnic conflicts, and international terrorism. These challenges would shape US foreign policy in the 21st century.

Remember: This is a brief overview of a complex period. It is important to further explore specific events, figures, and controversies within this timeframe to gain a deeper understanding of US foreign policy in the late 20th century.