Conservative Resurgence

End of the Cold war

  • The symbolic and literal collapse of the Berlin Wall marked the decline of Soviet influence.

  • Reform policies of the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev. encouraged the rise of reform movements across Eastern Europe

  • Collapse of Communist Regimes in Eastern Europe In 1989, a wave of revolutions swept through Eastern Europe

  • The USSR formally dissolved in December 1991, ending the existence of the Soviet state and the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

  • Key arms reduction agreements (like INF in 1987) and improved diplomatic relations under Gorbachev and U.S. President Reagan (and later Bush Sr.) marked a significant de-escalation of Cold War tensions.

Globalization

  • Many countries started using free-market ideas, like lowering taxes and selling government-owned businesses, to grow their economies.

  • Countries signed trade deals, like NAFTA and joined the WTO, to buy and sell goods more easily with each other.

  • Large companies opened factories and offices in many countries to save money and reach more customers.

  • New technology like the internet made it faster and easier for people and businesses to connect and share information worldwide.

  • Countries like China began trading more with the world and became important players in the global economy.

Persian Gulf War

  • Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded the small country of Kuwait to take control of its oil.

  • The UN told Iraq to leave Kuwait and placed sanctions on Iraq when it refused.

  • The United States led a group of over 30 countries to push Iraq out of Kuwait.

  • The war began with air strikes, followed by a ground attack that forced Iraqi troops out in just a few weeks.

  • Kuwait was saved, but Saddam Hussein stayed in control of Iraq, leading to future tensions.

Republicans Take Over Congress

  • Reagan's win helped Republicans gain control of the Senate for the first time in decades, boosting their influence in Congress.

  • Many Americans supported conservative ideas like lower taxes, less government, and strong national defense, which helped Republicans win more seats.

  • Led by Newt Gingrich, Republicans promised major changes if elected—and they won control of both the House and Senate for the first time in 40 years.

  • After 1994, President Bill Clinton had to work with a Republican-controlled Congress, leading to major debates over taxes, spending, and welfare.

  • By the end of the 1990s, Republicans kept control of Congress, showing a lasting shift in U.S. political power.

Rise of Conservatism

  • Reagan's election marked a big shift toward conservative ideas like lower taxes, strong military, and less government.

  • Christian conservatives, like the Moral Majority, influenced politics by supporting family values and opposing abortion.

  • Conservatives pushed for lower taxes and reduced spending on social programs

  • Conservatives supported strong police, longer prison sentences, and a large military to fight crime and threats abroad.

  • Conservatives gained control of Congress, proving that conservative ideas were popular with many voters.