Study Notes on America in the 1980s and 1990s: The Conservative Movement

America in the 1980s and 1990s

  - This chapter discusses the rise of the conservative movement.

The Conservative Movement Surges

  - Overview
    - Focus on the conservative movement in America during the 1980s and 1990s.
    - Distinction between conservatives and liberals.
    - Recap of previous concepts discussed in previous chapters regarding political ideology.

Differentiation Between Conservatives and Liberals

  - Core Beliefs of Liberals
    - Freedom: Liberals advocate for more governmental control in various spheres including welfare programs.
    - Welfare Programs: Essence of liberal beliefs; these programs aim to assist people in need.
    - Historical Examples: Reference to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society.
    - Liberal Movements: Civil rights movements, feminist movements, Latino rights movements, gay rights, and environmental protests are categorized as liberal movements.

  - Core Beliefs of Conservatives
    - Conservatives argue that a pervasive government is a significant problem although they may agree on the need for some government functions.
    - Viewpoint: "Less government is better government."
    - Laissez-faire Ideology: They emphasize less government involvement in economic decisions and believe that government programs waste taxpayer money.

The 'New Right'

  - Emergence of New Right (Late 1970s–Early 1980s)
    - Label signifies the resurgence of conservatism, suggesting a stronger conservative presence in politics compared to previous decades.
    - This resurgence is based on three major pillars:
      - Government as Problem:
        - Conservatives view big government and high taxation as detrimental.
        - Eric Their stance: Government does not efficiently utilize tax money, thus leading to ineffective solutions for societal problems.
      - Protection of Traditional Values:
        - Conservatives argue that liberal policies have degraded American values and the nuclear family structure (idealized family as a mom, dad, and children).
        - They criticize social changes brought by liberalism, viewing them as threats to the traditional societal structure of the 1950s.
      - Fear of Communism:
        - Many conservatives are staunch anticommunists who view liberalism's progressive policies as a potential pathway to socialism or communism.
        - This reflects a broader economic concern that leftist policies may undermine capitalism.

Decline of Liberalism in the 1970s

  - Issues Facing Liberal Policies
    - Liberal policies are perceived as failing, contributing to stagflation and an energy crisis and marking a decline from the national prominence observed in the 1950s.
    - Reference to loss in Vietnam War and inability to rescue hostages in Iran, indicating a sentiment of national weakness.
    - Conservatives attributed these issues to Democratic policies under leaders like Johnson.
    - Notable Examples Regarding Social Programs:
      - Social Security Example: Many conservatives criticize the reliance on government assistance (e.g., giving checks only after job searches) leading to perceived laziness and exploitation of the system by some individuals.
      - Welfare Programs: Discussion of incentives for having more children among single mothers under welfare programs, viewed as perpetuating dependency on government assistance.

The Moral Majority

  - Emergence of Religious Conservatism
    - By the late 1970s, a coalition of religious conservatives, self-titled the "Moral Majority" emerges.
    - Led by Jerry Falwell, they mobilize to influence political campaigns and support the Republican Party, attributing to a significant shift in Republican electoral successes.

Conclusion of the Lecture

  - Emphasis on the need to understand varying perspectives (liberal vs. conservative) and recognize the complexities of social and economic issues facing American society.
  - Encouragement for students to develop their own opinions as future voters.

No Homework Assignment

  - Note on next day's lessons and upcoming makeup tests for students needing additional support.
  - Students were informed about expectations for their recommendations and the importance of presenting substantial personal statements for college applications and recommendations.