Conservative Backlash in America (1945-1980)

  • Overview of the Conservative Movement Post-World War II
    During the period from 1945 to 1980, there was a significant rise in liberalism in America, exemplified by:

    • Lyndon Johnson's Great Society Program: Focused on social reforms and civil rights.
    • Women's Liberation Movement: Challenged traditional gender roles and family structures.
      This liberal shift caused anxiety among conservatives, leading to a backlash.

  • Roots of Conservative Backlash (1960s-1970s)

    • Cultural seismic shifts made conservatives anxious.
    • The Vietnam War protests challenged traditional viewpoints.
    • Changes in the American family structure due to the women’s movement.
    • Gains from the Civil Rights Movement caused fear among many conservative whites, particularly in the South.

  • Key Figures and Groups

    • Young Americans for Freedom: A conservative student organization that supported Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign in 1964.
    • Barry Goldwater's 1964 Campaign: Coined the phrase New Right, representing conservatives resistant to liberalism.
    • John Birch Society: A more radical faction opposing communism, advocating limited government, and promoting conspiracy theories.
    • Notably opposed the fluoridation of water, considering it a form of mass control.
    • William F. Buckley: A moderate conservative who established The National Review, criticizing radical elements like the John Birch Society to prevent radicalization of conservatism.

  • Growth of the Religious Right

    • Conservative Christians became politically active to oppose progressive trends.
    • A pivotal issue was the Roe v. Wade decision (1973): Legalized abortion, unifying Protestant and Catholic conservatives.
    • Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority: Established in 1979, linked conservative politics with Christian values, organizing rallies and campaigns.
    • James Dobson's Focus on the Family: Advocated for traditional family values, prayer in schools, and opposition to gay rights.

  • Crisis Events and Economic Conditions

    • The 1970s faced economic turmoil:
    • Oil Crisis: Limited supply leading to increased prices.
    • Stagflation: High inflation coupled with stagnant economic growth created widespread dissatisfaction.
    • The Watergate scandal (1972) further eroded public trust in government.
    • Richard Nixon's administration faced a scandal involving illegal activities tied to his reelection campaign, culminating in his resignation.

  • Clash of Conservatives and Liberals

    • The proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) sought constitutional equality for women and faced strong opposition from conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly, leading to its failure.
    • Controversy over affirmative action emerged from the civil rights movement, aimed to rectify systemic racism.
    • Resentment among white individuals arose from perceived discrimination in hiring and admissions (e.g., the case of Alan Bakke denied admission to a California university).
    • The Bakke v. University of California (1978) Supreme Court ruling deemed minority quotas unconstitutional, upholding that race could be considered but not as the singular factor for admissions.

  • Conclusion

    • The conservative backlash was marked by cultural, political, and economic tensions that set the stage for the conservative movement’s peak, which would be further explored in the next unit.