8.14 Conservative Backlash in America

Conservative Backlash (1960s-1970s)

Introduction

  • From 1945 to 1980, liberalism gained ground through programs like Lyndon Johnson's Great Society and the women's liberation movement.
  • This progress caused a conservative reaction.

Origins of the Conservative Backlash

  • The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 marked a high point for conservatism.
  • Cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s alarmed conservatives:
    • Anti-Vietnam War protests.
    • Changes in traditional family structures due to the women's movement.
    • Civil rights movement gains, especially concerning white southerners.

Conservative Organizations and Ideologies

  • Young Americans for Freedom: A conservative college student movement.
    • Instrumental in Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign.
  • The New Right: A coalition of conservatives.
    • Resisted liberalism.
    • Maintained religious values.
    • Populist and anti-egalitarian (believed in designated spheres for men and women).
  • John Birch Society: A group of conservatives opposing communism.
    • Advocated for limited government.
    • Supported right-wing conspiracy theories.
      • Example: Opposition to fluoride in water, seen as mass medicine.
  • William F. Buckley: Represented a more moderate conservatism.
    • Published The National Review.
    • Distanced himself from radical groups like the John Birch Society.

The Rise of the Religious Right

  • Conservative Christians organized to oppose liberal trends.
  • Roe v. Wade (1973): Legalized abortion, galvanizing the religious right.
    • Resulted in Protestant and Catholic Christians uniting.
  • Jerry Falwell: Pastor and evangelist.
    • Founded the Moral Majority in 1979, blending Christianity and conservative politics.
    • Held "I Love America" rallies, departing from the separation of church and state.
    • Argued that the separation of church and state caused moral decay.
  • James Dobson: Focus on the Family radio program.
    • Advocated for prayer in schools and opposed the expansion of gay rights.

National Events Contributing to Conservative Backlash

  • Economic Turmoil:
    • Oil crisis in the 1970s.
    • Stagflation: Inflation combined with economic stagnation.
    • Led to a recession in the 1970s.
  • Nixon's attempt to cut federal spending worsened the issue.
  • Decreased confidence in the government's ability to solve problems.
  • Watergate Scandal:
    • Nixon's reelection committee members broke into the Democratic party headquarters at the Watergate complex.
    • They attempted to bug phones and steal documents.
    • Nixon denied involvement but was later found to have known about and endorsed the activity.
    • He lied about it, leading to an impeachment resolution and his subsequent resignation.
    • Further eroded public confidence in the government.

Clashes Between Conservatives and Liberals

  • Equal Rights Amendment (ERA):
    • Proposed to constitutionally guarantee equal rights for women.
    • Failed to be ratified, largely due to conservative opposition led by figures like Phyllis Schlafly.
  • Affirmative Action:
    • Arose from the civil rights movement to correct systemic racism.
    • Race was considered in hiring decisions and college admissions.
    • Conservatives, particularly white individuals, resented this.
  • Bakke v. University of California (1978):
    • Alan Bakke was denied admission to the University of California, arguing he was discriminated against for being white.
    • The university had 16 spots reserved for minority applicants.
    • The Supreme Court ruled that minority quotas were unconstitutional, violating the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause.
    • Race could still be a factor, but not the sole determining factor.