Heimler's History: Resurgence of Conservatism in America

Introduction

• Topic: Resurgence of conservatism in America (1980 to present)
• Focus: Causes and effects of policy debates on the federal government's role

Background

• Conservative movement roots:
  • 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater
  • Coined the movement as the "New Right"
• Democratic presidency challenges under Jimmy Carter:
  • Economic turmoil: stagflation
  • Iran hostage crisis
  • Energy crisis due to Middle Eastern oil exporters

Ronald Reagan's Election

• Reagan: former actor, effective use of media
• Embodiment of New Right's three prongs:
  1. Cold War Conservatism: Resist spread of communism
  2. Pro-Business Economics: Rollback regulations, decrease taxes
  3. Moral and Religious Values: Responding to cultural upheaval (counterculture, women's liberation, Roe v. Wade, gay liberation)

Reagan's Policies

Reaganomics

• Supply-Side Economics:
  • Tax cuts and reduced federal spending
  • Encourage private sector investment, increase productivity and jobs
• Economic Recovery Act of 1981:
  • Cut income taxes by 25% over three years
  • Cuts in corporate, capital gains, and inheritance taxes
• Beneficiaries: Wealthy individuals

Federal Spending

• Welfare Programs: Federal spending cuts
  • Saved $40 billion
• Military Spending: Significant increase
  • $150 billion increase

Deficit

• Federal budget deficit: $200 billion to $300 billion per year
• Result: Reduced possibility for new social programs

Deregulation

• Reduced regulations in auto industry, federal lands, and offshore waters
• Shift against prior environmental regulations

Moral and Religious Aims

• Supreme Court Appointments:
  • Sandra Day O'Connor, William Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy
• Conservative Legal Influence:
  • Roll back affirmative action
  • State-level restrictions on abortion

Conclusion

• Reagan's presidency: Watershed moment in American politics
  • Rejection of 60s and 70s liberalism

Additional Resources

• Consider Heimler's "APUSH Ultimate Review Packet" for further study and exam preparation.