Conservative Resurgence

Definition

The Conservative Resurgence refers to a significant political movement that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly from the 1970s to the 1990s, marked by a shift towards right-wing ideologies and the reinvigoration of conservative principles in American politics. This period was characterized by a strong emphasis on limited government, free-market capitalism, and traditional social values, shaping policies and the political landscape in profound ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Conservative Resurgence gained momentum as a reaction against liberal policies in the 1960s and 1970s, including those related to civil rights and welfare programs.
2. The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 marked a turning point, as he implemented tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong anti-communist foreign policy.
3. The rise of the New Right during this time included influential figures and organizations that united traditional conservatives with economic libertarians and religious conservatives.
4. Conservative talk radio and later cable news networks played a significant role in promoting conservative viewpoints and mobilizing support for conservative causes.
5. The Conservative Resurgence laid the groundwork for ongoing political polarization in America, as it solidified the Republican Party's identity around conservative values.

Review Questions

• How did the Conservative Resurgence respond to the social and political changes occurring in America during the late 20th century?
  • The Conservative Resurgence emerged as a direct response to perceived failures of liberal policies from previous decades, including social upheaval and economic challenges. Many conservatives believed that liberal approaches had led to increased government intervention and societal decline. In contrast, they advocated for limited government, traditional family values, and a return to free-market principles. This ideological battle was reflected in elections and policy debates throughout the late 20th century.
• Evaluate the impact of the Moral Majority on American politics during the Conservative Resurgence.
  • The Moral Majority had a significant impact on American politics by mobilizing evangelical Christians and aligning their values with conservative political agendas. This organization played a crucial role in increasing voter turnout among religious conservatives and influencing elections in favor of candidates who supported traditional values. By integrating social issues into the political dialogue, they helped shift Republican Party platforms towards more socially conservative stances, thus reinforcing the foundations of the Conservative Resurgence.
• Synthesize how the Conservative Resurgence set the stage for contemporary political movements like the Tea Party, highlighting both ideological continuities and changes.
  • The Conservative Resurgence laid essential groundwork for contemporary political movements like the Tea Party by reinforcing core conservative ideologies such as limited government and fiscal responsibility. However, while both movements share similar roots in advocating for lower taxes and reduced government spending, the Tea Party also emerged in response to specific modern issues like healthcare reform and perceived governmental overreach. This evolution demonstrates how foundational beliefs from the Conservative Resurgence adapted to address new challenges while maintaining an unwavering commitment to conservative principles.

Related terms

Ronald Reagan:

The 40th President of the United States who played a key role in advancing conservative policies and was a leading figure in the Conservative Resurgence.

Moral Majority: A political organization founded in the 1970s that mobilized evangelical Christians and conservative groups to influence politics, particularly during the Conservative Resurgence.

Tea Party Movement: A grassroots political movement that emerged in the late 2000s, advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, building on the foundations laid by the Conservative Resurgence.