Reagan vs. Carter

Interpreting the Past: Reagan vs. Carter

One of the main jobs of historians is to interpret the past by reviewing primary documents, scholarly secondary sources, and then creating an analysis of this research. After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit a thesis-driven paper on the Election of 1980. You might want to consider the following questions: What contributed to Ronald Reagan’s rise and Jimmy Carter’s fall in the political arena? What were some of the notable moments from the 1980 Presidential Debate? Why did/do so many Americans consider Ronald Reagan’s victories in 1980 and 1984 a major turning point in American history—as a “Morning in America”?

This assignment should be 500 words in length. For full credit, your paper must not simply sum up the reading or repeat points made there. Rather, I am looking for you to create your own interpretation and discuss some original insight. Include Turabian-style citations as needed. Be sure to stay in third-person throughout the paper. Also, insure that you upload one of the approved SafeAssign file types

The sources
“A Time for Choosing” by Ronald Reagan
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“A Time for Choosing” by Ronald Reagan
Duration: 29:33
User: n/a – Added: 4/2/09

On October 27, 1964, Ronald Reagan, a famous actor and former Democrat, delivered a televised campaign address in support of Republican Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. While Goldwater lost the election, “The Speech”—as it is often called—helped contribute to Reagan’s reputation as “The Great Communicator” and led supporters to encourage him to run for Governor of California, an election he won in 1966.

Jimmy Carter’s Full Crisis of Confidence Speech
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Jimmy Carter’s Full “Crisis of Confidence” Speech (July 15, 1979)
Duration: 33:05
User: n/a – Added: 5/2/12

On July 15, 1979, President Jimmy Carter delivered a speech that has become known as his “Crisis of Confidence” or “Malaise” speech. Although Carter experienced a bump in the polls immediately after the speech, his critics condemned him for what some saw as his pessimism and his blaming the American people for their apathy about the energy crisis rather than seeking long-term solutions.

Jim O’Grady, “How Jimmy Carter’s Face-Off with a Rabbit Changed the Presidency” (2014)

Just a few months before delivering his Crisis of Confidence Speech, President Jimmy Carter had an encounter with a rabbit while fishing in Plains, Georgia, on April 20, 1979. The story did not break until August 1979—one month after the Crisis of Confidence Speech. It hurt his image and contributed to the growing criticisms of Carter as the 1980 election year approached. When you click on the article link, be sure to read the article and listen to the sixteen-minute clip by clicking on the BLUE Listen button in the black box towards the top of the page.

1980 Presidential Candidate Debate: Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter – 10/28/80
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1980 Presidential Candidate Debate: Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter – 10/28/80
Duration: 94:52
User: n/a – Added: 4/23/09

On October 28, 1980, Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter held their only presidential debate. It was held exactly one week before the election and helped Reagan take a wide lead against Carter.

1st Inaugural Address: President Reagans Inaugural Address 1/20/81
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1st Inaugural Address: President Reagans Inaugural Address 1/20/81
Duration: 23:38
User: n/a – Added: 4/15/09

On January 1, 1980, President Ronald Reagan delivered his “First Inaugural Address.”