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Reaganomics 101

Reaganomics 101
Reaganomics 101

When Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980, the country was in the midst of, in his words, the "worst economic mess since the Great Depression." Unemployment was at 7.5%, and 8 million people were looking for jobs. Inflation was at its highest point in decades, nearly 15% in March of 1980. Marginal tax rates were as high as 70%, and economic growth was stagnant. 

Now, thanks to a partnership with the California Council for Economic Education, we've developed a set of interactive, primary source based lessons that allow students to learn the story of President Reagan’s approach to fixing America’s economic woes. His vision, his policies, and their impact have come to be known as Reaganomics. 

These lessons were made possible through the generous support of:
The Peter & Judy Copses Foundation, Gary Simons, and Andy Puzder.

These lessons will:

  • Utilize primary source material from the Reagan archives, including video, documents, speeches, photographs and more.
  • Teach economic concepts like unemployment, inflation, taxes, stagflation, GDP, and more through engaging, interactive simulations.
  • Utilize federal economic data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other federal sources.
  • Include interactive simulations to help students understand key economic concepts. 
  • Will include new and exclusive interview material from policy makers, economists, and entrepreneurs.

Lesson 1: “The Worst Economic Mess Since the Great Depression”

8 million unemployed. Inflation at a 30 year high. Stagnant economic growth. 

Snapshot: In this lesson, students will understand the extent of the economic challenges faced by the new president, as well as the key policy responses the Reagan Administration proposed …

"The economic ills we suffer have come upon us over several decades. They will not go away in days, weeks, or months, but they will go away. They will go away because we as Americans have the capacity now, as we've had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom."                   

  ~ Ronald Reagan
First Inaugural Address,
January 20, 1981

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Lesson 2: The Pillars of Reaganomics

Reduce taxes. Reduce growth in government spending. Reduce regulations. Tighten the money supply to reduce inflation. 

Snapshot: In this lesson, students will understand the goals of President Reagan’s economic policy proposals, as well as learn about why these were the keys to his plan to stimulate economic growth. 

"It's time to recognize that we've come to a turning point. We're threatened with an economic calamity of tremendous proportions, and the old business-as-usual treatment can't save us. Together, we must chart a different course."

~ Ronald Reagan
Address to the Nation on the Economy,
February 5, 1981

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Lesson 3: The Impact 

16.3 million jobs created. Unemployment dropped from 7.5% to 5.4%. Inflation dropped from 12.5% to 4.7%.

Snapshot: In this lesson, students will understand the impact of President Reagan’s economic policies during his time in office.  

"The economy bloomed like a plant that had been cut back and could now grow quicker and stronger. Our economic program brought about the longest peacetime expansion in our history: real family income up, the poverty rate down, entrepreneurship booming, and an explosion in research and new technology."

~ Ronald Reagan
Farewell Address, January 11, 1989

Download Curriculum (Button): Link to PDF of Curriculum (FORTHCOMING)

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