Reagan-Carter Era Primary Source Readings

This packet includes three groupings of primary source readings during the Carter and Reagan presidencies, a chapter vocabulary list (which corresponds with the Pearson Education's U.S. History books, with some supplemental terms), and a chapter review worksheet based on the vocabulary list.

The primary source readings are on:

The Iran Hostage Crisis: Declassified CIA memo on the 1953 Mossadegh coup (excerpts), Robert C. Ode's diary as a hostage (excerpts), Ayatollah Khomeini's rationale for keeping U.S. hostages (excerpts), President Carter's address to the nation on the crisis.

Iran-Contra Affiar: Text of Boland Amendment, Robert Gates' 1984 Memo on Nicaragua, Reagan address to the nation on Nicaraguan Contra aid, Congressman Michael Barnes speech against Contra aid.

Reaganomics: Reagan Library claims, Sen. Joseph Biden 1987 speech against Reaganomics, Murray Rothbard critique of Reaganomics.

Each reading contains 8-11 document-based questions that could be used as an essay assignment or as separate questions requiring single paragraph responses.

Each of these readings could be a solid homework assignment, sub plan, or class discussion (after students have read the documents). 29 pages total.

Note: These readings along with more than 90 others are included in my book “Primary Source American History,” along with three mock trials, two mock congresses and several dozen projects review worksheets. If you like this (or the free readings on my store), consider getting the complete set.