Reagan's "New Right" era

Definition

Reagan's 'New Right' era refers to the political movement and ideological shift that emerged during Ronald Reagan's presidency in the 1980s, characterized by a resurgence of conservative values emphasizing limited government, free markets, and traditional social norms. This period marked a significant change in American politics, as it mobilized a coalition of various conservative groups, including religious conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and libertarians, influencing policy-making and reshaping the political landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Right emerged as a reaction against liberal policies of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in response to issues like inflation, crime rates, and perceived moral decay.
2. Ronald Reagan's election in 1980 symbolized the triumph of the New Right, bringing together disparate conservative factions under a common agenda.
3. Key elements of Reagan's New Right included tax cuts, deregulation of industries, a strong anti-communist foreign policy, and support for traditional family values.
4. The New Right played a significant role in shaping American public opinion on social issues such as abortion and school prayer, leading to increased political activism among conservative groups.
5. Reagan's presidency marked a shift from New Deal liberalism to a more conservative approach in governance, laying the groundwork for future Republican administrations.

Review Questions

• How did Reagan's 'New Right' era reshape the coalition of conservative groups in American politics?
  • Reagan's 'New Right' era successfully united various conservative factions, including fiscal conservatives who prioritized economic policies like tax cuts and deregulation, religious conservatives focused on social issues such as abortion and family values, and libertarians advocating for minimal government intervention. This coalition was instrumental in mobilizing voters and creating a powerful political movement that significantly influenced elections and policy-making throughout the 1980s and beyond.
• Discuss the impact of supply-side economics during Reagan's 'New Right' era on American economic policy.
  • Supply-side economics became a central tenet of Reagan's economic policy during the New Right era. This approach promoted tax cuts for individuals and businesses with the belief that lower taxes would stimulate investment and lead to job creation. The implementation of these policies resulted in substantial tax reductions, which supporters argued contributed to economic growth. However, critics contended that these measures primarily benefited the wealthy and increased income inequality.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Reagan's 'New Right' on contemporary American politics and its relevance today.
  • The long-term effects of Reagan's 'New Right' are still felt in contemporary American politics, where many principles of his administration continue to influence Republican policies. The coalition that formed during this era laid the foundation for modern conservatism, leading to ongoing debates over taxation, regulation, and social issues. The emphasis on limited government and traditional values remains a rallying point for many conservative groups today, highlighting how Reagan's legacy continues to shape political discourse and party alignment in the United States.

Related terms

Conservatism:

A political philosophy advocating for traditional institutions, limited government intervention in the economy, and the preservation of established customs and practices.

Moral Majority: A political organization founded by Jerry Falwell in the 1980s that sought to mobilize religious conservatives to influence politics and promote socially conservative policies.

Supply-Side Economics: An economic theory that suggests economic growth can be most effectively fostered by lowering taxes and decreasing regulation, thus encouraging businesses to invest and expand.