The Rise of Conservatism in the United States (1945-1980)

This period saw significant advancements in liberalism, including:
- Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs.
- The women's liberation movement.

These liberal advancements caused a conservative backlash.
Culminated in the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 (to be discussed in the next unit).

Cultural Shifts: Conservatives were alarmed by:
- Protests against the Vietnam War.
- Changes in the traditional American family structure due to the women's movement.
- Gains made by the Civil Rights Movement (particularly in the South).

Young Americans for Freedom: A group of conservative college students who supported Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign.
Barry Goldwater: Coined the phrase "New Right", a coalition of conservatives who:
- Resisted liberalism.
- Embraced religious values.
- Were populist and anti-egalitarian (believed in distinct roles for men and women).
John Birch Society: A more radical conservative group that:
- Opposed communism.
- Advocated for limited government.
- Promoted right-wing conspiracy theories (e.g., opposition to water fluoridation).
William F. Buckley and The National Review: Represented a more moderate conservatism.
- Buckley distanced himself from groups like the John Birch Society, fearing their radicalism would damage the conservative movement.

Rapid growth of conservative Christians organizing against liberal trends.
Roe v. Wade (1973): The Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion became a major catalyst.
- Led to unity between Protestant and Catholic Christians, who had previously been suspicious of each other.
Moral Majority (1979): Founded by Jerry Falwell, a pastor and evangelist.
- Merged Christianity with conservative politics.
- Falwell organized "I Love America" rallies, departing from traditional Southern Baptist views on separation of church and state, arguing that such separation led to moral decay.
Focus on the Family: Radio program hosted by James Dobson.
- Advocated for reintroducing prayer in schools and resisting the expansion of gay rights.

Economic Turmoil: Oil crisis and stagflation in the 1970s.
- Stagflation: A combination of high inflation and economic stagnation.
- President Nixon's attempts to cut federal spending worsened the situation.
- Resulted in a loss of public confidence in the government's ability to solve economic problems.
Watergate Scandal: Illegal activities by President Nixon's reelection committee.
- Break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office complex.
- Nixon's denial of involvement, followed by the revelation of his knowledge and endorsement of the activities.
- Nixon's subsequent resignation due to imminent impeachment, further eroding public trust in the government.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights for women.
- Failed to be ratified due to conservative opposition, led by figures like Phyllis Schlafly.

Arose from the Civil Rights Movement to address systemic racism.
Aimed to correct past injustices by considering race in hiring decisions and college admissions.
Led to resentment from some white individuals who felt they were being discriminated against.

Alan Bakke: A white student who argued he was denied admission to the University of California due to racial quotas.
Supreme Court Decision: Ruled that minority quotas were unconstitutional and violated the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause.
Race could still be considered as a factor in admissions, but not the sole determinant.

The growth of the conservative movement reached its peak in the subsequent period.
Continued study to be done in the next unit.
Additional study resources are available in Heimler's Review Guides.