Overview of American Politics 1968-1980

• Transition from liberalism to growing conservatism.
• Emergence of the New Right and its key ideas.

The Misery Index

• Combination of unemployment and inflation rates illustrated growing economic discontent.

The Rise of the New Right

• Shift from Nixon's pragmatic conservatism to a more hard-edged conservatism.
• Motivating factors: tax revolts, federal government backlash, disillusionment among liberal intellectuals, and the rise of the Christian Right.

Women's Movement in the 1970s

• Major gains like Roe v. Wade; however, faced strong opposition from conservative groups.
• National Organization for Women (NOW) vs. conservative activists such as Phyllis Schlafly.
• Title IX prohibited sex discrimination in education, benefitting women in athletics and employment.

Environmental Movement

• Renewed focus on ecology post-Rachel Carson's Silent Spring.
• Key legislative milestones: establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act.
• Public response to environmental disasters heightened awareness and political activism.

Tax Revolt and Economic Conservatism

• Proposition 13 in California exemplified tax reduction sentiment.
• Supply-side economics proposed lower taxes as a means to stimulate growth.

Christian Right and Political Activism

• Coalition of evangelical Christians and Catholics emerged, emphasizing traditional values and anti-abortion stances.
• Organizations like the Moral Majority mobilized significant support for conservative candidates.

Conclusion

• The landscape of American politics shifted significantly toward conservatism, influenced by socio-economic, political, and cultural changes.