Reagan's Economy

What were the sources of the American economic recovery of the 1980s and 1990s? Who benefited from it and who did not, and why was that the case?

The American economy during the time period of 1980-1990’s was in a state of regrowth after the federal government’s economic policies of the 1970’s was revised. President Reagan felt the federal government had become too intrusive in state administration with regards to economic policies (American History, 2012). Reagan’s economic plan was largely based on a “supply-side economic theory” in which large tax cuts would encourage people to work longer hours and promote investments. The four main principles of Reagan’s plan of action, was to reduce government spending; reduce federal income and capital gains taxes; reduce government regulation; and restrict the money supply to reduce inflation (American History). Obviously his plan required time to work; therefore, America’s economy suffered a
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After a few years, President Reagan’s economic plan started to work, and America entered “one of the longest periods of sustained economic growth since World War II” (America History). Under the Reagan Administration; those that benefited the most were often the upper class citizens; specifically, due to the tax exemptions. The more money a person made, the less taxes were imposed in order to promote saving and investment. Unfortunately, the middle working class was often burdened with the residual tax deficit; forcing working class to work more hours to make more money (American History). Some critics would even say that although Reagan’s policies were designed to reduce unemployment and poverty level; they made very little effort in regards to either one. The other words, the rich became richer, and the poor remained the