26.3: The End of the Golden Age Crisis → Conservatism)

26.3

The End of the Golden Age (1970s Crisis → Conservatism)

Deindustrialization & Manufacturing

Factories closed or moved overseas; decline in industrial jobs, especially in the Northeast/Midwest. Significance

Energy Crisis

Oil shortages and rising gas prices (1970s) due to foreign dependence. Significance

Stagflation

Combination of high inflation + high unemployment (unusual economic crisis). Significance

Foreign Policy Issues

Human Rights

Carter emphasized human rights in foreign policy. Significance

Iran Hostage Crisis (1979)

Americans held hostage in Iran for over a year. Significance

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979)

USSR expanded influence into Afghanistan. Significance

26.4

The Rising Tide of Conservatism

The Religious Right

Conservative Christian groups opposing secularism and promoting traditional values. Significance

The ERA (Equal Rights Amendment)

Proposed amendment guaranteeing gender equality; opposed by conservatives. Significance

Abortion

Debate intensified after Roe v. Wade. Significance

Taxes

High taxes in the 1970s led to taxpayer revolts (e.g., California’s Proposition 13). Significance

Issues in the West

Western states opposed federal land control and environmental regulations. Significance