Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign emphasized American decline under Carter.
Reagan promised a return to greatness as a "city upon a hill."
Reagan rode the wave of the New Right, a powerful conservative movement with libertarian economics and religious conservatism.
The New Right attracted Reagan Democrats and blue-collar voters, shifting American politics and reducing the influence of the New Deal liberalism.
Despite criticism for benefiting corporations and increasing inequality, the New Right reshaped political debates.
II. Conservative Ascendance
Reagan's election was the result of long-term political mobilization on the right.
The New Right included anti-communists, fiscal conservatives, racially motivated southern whites, disillusioned blue-collar workers, and Christian conservatives.
George Wallace and Richard Nixon previously harnessed conservative grievances.
Christian conservatives felt under siege by liberalism and mobilized against the ERA and abortion.
The New Right unified around reducing government, taxes, and defeating liberalism.
III. The Conservatism of the Carter Years
Carter's presidency failed to reinvigorate liberalism due to post-Watergate disillusionment.
Carter's moderate policies and economic challenges further shifted politics to the right.
Economic crises led Carter to implement tax cuts, deregulation, and budget balancing, aligning with conservative goals.
The religious right was ignited by the IRS's challenge to racially segregated schools.
IV. The Election of 1980
Reagan ran as a fiscal conservative and Cold War hawk against an economically struggling Carter.
Reagan's campaign appealed to the religious right and subtly exploited racial hostilities.
Reagan won decisively, signaling the arrival of the New Right in Washington.
V. The New Right in Power
Reagan's administration shifted government priorities, embracing supply-side economics.
Key policies included tax cuts and reducing union power, notably defeating PATCO.
Increased military spending and tax cuts led to a growing national debt.
Economic recession in 1981-1982 prompted some policy reversals.
VI. Morning in America
Economic recovery by 1984 boosted Reagan's popularity.
The Democratic Party faced ideological divides, moving towards moderate stances.
Reagan's second term saw limited legislative success but significant judicial appointments.
VII. African American Life in Reagan's America
African Americans achieved political and cultural gains but faced continued economic challenges.
Reagan's policies often opposed civil rights advancements.
Despite conservative opposition, diversity programs became entrenched.
VIII. Bad Times and Good Times
Economic policies favored the wealthy, exacerbating income inequality.
Financial deregulation led to crises in the savings and loan industry.
Manufacturing and farming sectors struggled, while Wall Street thrived until the 1987 crash.
IX. Culture Wars of the 1980s
Popular culture reflected both conservative and liberal values.
The era saw intense battles over gender politics and abortion.
The AIDS crisis mobilized the gay community and highlighted government indifference.
X. The New Right Abroad
Reagan's foreign policy was characterized by military buildup and anticommunism.
The Reagan Doctrine supported anti-communist movements globally.
The administration's policies led to controversies, notably the Iran-Contra affair.
Negotiations with Gorbachev helped ease Cold War tensions.
XI. Conclusion
Reagan's presidency left an enduring conservative impact on American politics.
Economic gains were unevenly distributed, with increasing inequality and poverty rates.
The rightward shift in politics persisted, influencing both Republican and Democratic strategies.
XII. Primary Sources
Primary sources provide insights into Reagan's era, including speeches and political statements.
XIII. Reference Material
Additional readings offer deeper exploration into the themes and events of the period.