Detailed Notes on U.S. History: Late 1970s and Political Shifts

Vietnam War and Historical Context

• The Vietnam War was a major conflict leading up to the 1976 election, with critical decisions regarding peace treaties made by U.S. presidents.
  • Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) rejected a peace treaty, leading to ongoing tensions.
  • Richard Nixon also turned down potential resolutions.

Student Movements and Organizations

• Students for a Democratic Society (SDS): A notable group advocating for a more participatory form of democracy, aligning with the New Left movement.

  • Participatory democracy: Involves collective decision-making rather than governance by a power elite.

• Fannie Lou Hamer: Advocated for voting rights for African Americans in Mississippi; a call for representation in all government levels.

• Feminist Goals: Included equal pay and equitable responsibilities in marriage—not only equal power within existing structures but also dismantling patriarchy.

• American Indian Movement (AIM) and the Alcatraz takeover: Aimed to highlight injustices faced by Native Americans.

Political Landscape and Presidential Elections

• The 1976 election saw Jimmy Carter win against incumbent Gerald Ford.

  • Carter presented himself as an outsider, criticizing Washington corruption and addressing issues of discrimination and economic disparity.
  • He proposed reforms like revamping tax structures and comprehensive health care.

• Despite promises of reform, Carter faced opposition from disgruntled liberals who felt his conservatism reflected a failure to close tax loopholes that favored the wealthy.

Shift in Power and Politics

• The balance of power shifted from the presidency to Congress, with growing influence from special interest groups, including corporations and political action committees (PACs).
• Carter's presidency was marred by high inflation, limiting his ability to act decisively.

The Challenges of the Late 1970s

• Economic challenges included rising prices and unemployment.
  • Inflation defined as the rise in prices diminishing purchasing power.
  • Carter's budget proposals aimed at reducing deficits but were criticized for favoring corporate interests and not offering substantial relief to middle and lower class citizens.

Foreign Policy: Carter's Presidency

• Emphasized human rights but struggled with practical politics regarding allies like South Korea and Iran.
• The Camp David Accords: A significant diplomatic achievement forging peace between Egypt and Israel.
• Events in Iran: The 1979 Iranian Revolution resulted in the Shah being deposed, leading to hostage crises that significantly impacted Carter's presidency.

Economic Realities and Subsequent Policies

• Carter Doctrine: Aimed to counter Soviet influence in the Middle East, leading to military funding for Afghan rebels in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• His administration also faced public disconnection and dissatisfaction, leading to issues with his proposed policies on national defense and welfare.

Rise of Evangelical Politics

• The late 1970s/early 1980s saw the rise of a politicized evangelical movement, significantly influencing American politics.
  • Prominent figures: Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority pushed for social conservatism and political activism.
• This movement targeted cultural issues and shaped the rising conservatism in politics, favoring candidates like Ronald Reagan.

Reagan's Election and Policies in the 1980s

• Reagan's platform focused on reducing federal influence and welfare, promoting supply-side economics, which promised economic growth through lower taxes and reduced expenditure.
• His presidency linked the political right with evangelical support, leading to significant political change and conflict over social issues.
  • Welfare Spending: Aimed to cut dramatically, which resulted in increased poverty levels.
• The Iran-Contra Affair and El Salvador interventions showcased the complexities of foreign policy under Reagan.

Conclusion

• Economic troubles, crises abroad, and the rise of a conservative religious movement deeply influenced American politics from the late 1970s into the 1980s, setting the stage for significant changes in governance and social norms.
  • The era shaped the expectations placed on future administrations and the direction of the U.S. politically and socially.