Conservative Backlash in America (1945-1980) (13)

Overview of Conservative Backlash (1945-1980)

  • In the context of rising liberalism in America, the conservative movement emerged as a reaction to significant cultural and political changes in the 1960s and 70s.

Liberal Achievements

  • Great Society (Lyndon Johnson): A series of domestic programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.

  • Women’s Liberation Movement: Addressed issues of gender equality and women's rights.

Conservative Response

  • Conservatives felt threatened by changes such as protests against the Vietnam War and the shifting structure of the traditional American family.

  • Southern, white conservatives were particularly impacted by the civil rights movement.

Key Figures and Groups

  • Young Americans for Freedom: A group of conservative college students that was crucial in Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign.

    • Coined the term New Right, representing a coalition of conservatives resisting liberalism.

  • John Birch Society: A conservative group that opposed communism and claimed government actions (like fluoridation of water) were part of a conspiracy.

  • William F. Buckley: Influential conservative thinker who criticized radical elements within conservatism, particularly the John Birch Society,

The Rise of the Religious Right

  • Religious Motives: Many conservative Christians organized to counter liberal trends, especially mobilizing around the Roe v. Wade (1973) decision that legalized abortion.

    • United Protestants and Catholics around the issue of abortion.

  • Moral Majority (Jerry Falwell): Founded in 1979 to blend Christian values with conservative politics, promoting rallies for American values.

    • Challenged the separation of church and state by stating it led to moral decay.

  • Focus on the Family (James Dobson): Advocated for prayer in schools and opposed gay rights, masking political motivations behind family values.

Economic Context

  • bgvfhjndckmjcn vbfghfuncjdhnThe 1970s oil crisis and stagflation (high inflation combined with stagnant economic growth) fostered discontent with the government.

  • Economic issues fueled the conservative backlash, as President Nixon’s cuts to federal spending did not alleviate problems but escalated them.

Political Scandals

  • The Watergate Scandal (Nixon's cover-up of a break-in) eroded public trust in the government, leading to increased support for conservative candidates who promised to restore integrity and stability.

Social Clashes

  • Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Proposed an amendment for gender equality that was opposed by conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly, preventing its ratification.

  • Affirmative Action: Initiatives for racial equity led to resentment among white conservatives, embodied in the case of Bakke v. University of California (1978), where the Supreme Court ruled that race could be considered in admissions but not as the only factor.

  • Decisions like Bakke's emphasized the tensions within American society regarding race and opportunity, impacting conservative and liberal relations.

Conclusion

  • The conservative movement, bolstered by economic discontent and a perceived moral decline in America, set the stage for significant political shifts in the subsequent decade, culminating in the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980.

  • The discussion on conservative factors and their oppositions sets up a broader narrative for American history leading into the next unit.