Final answer:
Reagan linked freedom to progress by advocating for limited government interference in the economy, believing it would lead to growth and optimism. This philosophy, central to 'Reaganomics,' was implemented through tax cuts, reduced social spending, and increased defense budgets. While intended to stimulate progress, his policies also led to recession and unemployment, illustrating the nuanced outcomes of his approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Reagan associated freedom with the ability to foster progress by reducing governmental influence and control. In his view, empowering individuals and businesses was paramount for advancing economic growth, national confidence, and overall optimism. Throughout his tenure, Reagan emphasized a philosophy stressing freedom from government rather than freedom through government, asserting that the less encumbered by regulation and taxation the American people were, the more they could drive the nation's progress and prosperity.
His policy approach, widely termed 'Reaganomics,' involved tax cuts for the wealthy aimed at stimulating investment and job creation, reducing government spending on social programs, and bolstering defense spending. These measures were grounded on the belief that a smaller federal government would lead to a more dynamic economy and secure nation, encapsulated in his 1980 campaign pledge to restore 'the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism.' However, while the aim was to break the cycle of stagflation, Reagan's policies also resulted in a recession and increased unemployment, showcasing the complexity of the relationship between freedom, governance, and progress.