The 1980s came with several social issues, many of which Reagan aimed to address with his domestic policies. Using a spider map, students will analyze and explain different social issues in the 1980s and the actions Reagan took regarding them. This activity will help students understand the stance Reagan took on these social issues, how his New Right conservative views influenced his actions, and the effects of the actions he did or didn't take on the communities and the country as a whole.
Teachers may pre-select issues for students to address in their spider maps. Below are several suggestions!
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map to explain and analyze the stance and actions of another president on certain social issues, namely ones related to the issues Reagan dealt with during his presidency. An example could be Obama’s actions concerning immigration, health care, and education.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map examining Reagan's actions concerning the major social issues of the 1980s.
Gather primary sources such as newspaper headlines, speeches, or photos from the 1980s to add firsthand perspectives to your spider map. This helps students connect with the era and understand the real-world impact of policies.
Direct students to trustworthy archives or digital libraries like the National Archives or Library of Congress for authentic materials. Model how to evaluate sources for credibility and relevance.
Have students choose a primary source that connects to each social issue on their spider map. This adds depth and evidence to their analysis.
Prompt students to explain what each primary source reveals about Reagan’s stance or public opinion. Encourage group discussion to compare insights and foster critical thinking.
Guide students to incorporate snippets or images from the primary sources into their spider maps, citing them properly. This creates a richer, more engaging visual and written summary.
The major social issues during Reagan's presidency included women’s rights, the AIDS epidemic, the War on Drugs, civil rights, immigration reform, and the wealth gap. These topics shaped much of the social and political debate in the United States throughout the 1980s.
Reagan's administration was criticized for its slow response to the AIDS epidemic. Public funding and awareness campaigns were limited in the early years, leading to significant activism and advocacy from affected communities before substantial government action was taken.
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually connect a central concept to related ideas. Students can use a spider map to break down and analyze Reagan's actions on different social issues, illustrating his stances and their effects on society.
Reagan’s New Right conservative views emphasized limited government, traditional values, and free-market solutions. These beliefs influenced his policies on social issues, leading to reduced federal involvement in welfare programs and a focus on law and order.
Teachers can have students create spider maps analyzing Reagan’s stance on key issues, compare his actions to those of other presidents, or research the impact of his policies on specific communities. These activities foster critical thinking and historical analysis.