Overview
This lecture covers the rise of the new conservatism in the United States from the 1960s through the 1980s, tracing its origins, key figures, societal influences, and consequences for American politics and society.
The Origins of New Conservatism
- The New Deal and high tide of liberalism shaped American politics from the 1930s to early 1960s.
- 1964 marked a key shift as Barry Goldwater's presidential run redefined the Republican Party as strongly conservative.
- Goldwater campaigned against big government, civil rights, and welfare, appealing to voters discontent with liberal policies.
- Despite a landslide loss, Goldwater won significant support in the Deep South, beginning the political realignment.
- Many Americans, especially white working-class voters, began to resent liberalism, civil rights, and government programs.
Key Grievances and Cultural Backlash
- Conservatives opposed civil rights legislation, rising taxes, welfare expansion, affirmative action, and perceived cultural decline.
- Anger targeted Supreme Court decisions on school prayer, voting rights, contraception, and interracial marriage.
- The 1960s saw rising crime, urban unrest, anti-war protests, the counterculture, and the feminist movement.
- Conservatives blamed big government and the Democratic Party for cultural and societal changes.
- Right-wing populism and appeals to "family values" and patriotism became rallying points for conservatives.
Nixon and the Southern Strategy
- Richard Nixon capitalized on white working-class discontent, using the "silent majority" and "Southern strategy."
- Nixon’s presidency shifted the Republican Party further right, focusing on state’s rights and law-and-order.
- Nixon implemented both conservative (vetoing spending, block grants, crime bills) and some liberal policies (expanding welfare, creating the EPA).
- Nixon eased Cold War tensions with détente and opened relations with China but escalated and then ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
- Watergate scandal led to Nixon’s resignation and increased public cynicism toward government and politicians.
Conservatism Ascendant: Reagan and the 1980s
- The crises of the 1970s (stagflation, energy crisis, industrial decline, Vietnam, Watergate, Iran hostage crisis) eroded confidence in government.
- Ronald Reagan, aided by the Christian right, won the 1980 and 1984 elections by promising a return to traditional values and strong leadership.
- The rise of the “culture wars” saw conservatives fight issues like abortion, feminism, and liberal social policies.
- Reaganomics (supply-side economics) reduced taxes and regulation, aiming to spur business investment and economic growth.
- Reagan increased military spending, initially took a hard stance on the USSR, then negotiated arms reduction with Gorbachev.
- Scandals like Iran-Contra and widening inequality characterized the Reagan years, ushering in a "second Gilded Age."
Key Terms & Definitions
- New Conservatism — Political movement emphasizing smaller government, traditional values, and free-market economics.
- Southern Strategy — Republican tactic to attract white Southern voters by appealing to racial grievances and state’s rights.
- Right-wing Populism — Political approach that emphasizes nationalism, nostalgia, and opposition to perceived elite or liberal policies.
- Reaganomics — Supply-side economic policies favoring tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending.
- Culture Wars — Political conflict over social issues like abortion, sexuality, religion, and education.
- Watergate — Scandal involving illegal activities by Nixon’s administration, leading to his resignation.
- Détente — Easing of Cold War tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read textbook sections on party systems, Roe v. Wade, Kent State, the Iranian hostage crisis, and major 1970s scandals.
- Study the impact of the Christian right, Reaganomics, and the long-term effects of the Vietnam War and Watergate.