Heimler's History: Resurgence of Conservatism in America

Introduction

• Unit 9 Overview: Covers the period from 1980 to the present.
• Focus: Resurgence of conservatism and Ronald Reagan's election.

Causes and Effects of Policy Debates

• Objective: Explain policy debates about federal government roles over time.
• AP Exam Prep: Mention of APUSH Ultimate Review Packet for exam preparation.

Origins of the Conservative Movement

• 1964 Presidential Campaign: Barry Goldwater introduced the "New Right."
• Jimmy Carter's Presidency:
  • Economic turmoil: stagflation.
  • Iran hostage crisis and energy crisis.
• 1980 Election: Ronald Reagan's victory as a conservative response to Carter's presidency.

Ronald Reagan's Presidency

• Reagan's Appeal:
  • Former actor with media savvy.
  • Embodiment of the New Right's three-pronged attack:

Three Prongs of the New Right

1. Cold War Conservatism: Resistance to communism.
2. Pro-Business Economics:
   • Roll back regulations on big businesses.
   • Decrease corporate taxes.
3. Moral and Religious Conservatism:
   • Reaction to 1960s-70s cultural changes (counterculture, women's liberation, Roe v. Wade, gay liberation).

Reagan's Policies

Reaganomics

• Supply-Side Economics:
  • Tax cuts and decreased federal spending.
  • Increase private sector investment and productivity.
• Rejection of Keynesian Economics: Emphasis on reduced government spending.
• Economic Recovery Act of 1981: Tax cuts benefiting the wealthy.
• Federal Spending:
  • Cuts on welfare ($40 billion savings).
  • Increase in military spending ($150 billion).
• Budget Deficit: $200-300 billion annually.

Deregulation

• Private Sector Focus: Remove government regulation.
• Industry Deregulation:
  • Auto industry emissions and safety standards reduced.
  • Federal lands opened for resource extraction (coal, lumber, oil drilling).

Moral and Religious Conservatism

• Supreme Court Appointments: Four conservative judges appointed.
  • Sandra Day O'Connor, William Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, and Anthony Kennedy.
• Affirmative Action and Abortion:
  • Scaling back affirmative action.
  • State-level restrictions on abortion.

Conclusion

• Reagan's Legacy: A watershed moment rejecting 1960s and 70s liberalism.
• Study Tips: Encouragement to use review packets and support Heimler's channel through subscriptions.