11.1 Rise of Conservatism and the Reagan Revolution
8 min read•july 31, 2024
The rise of in the 1970s and 1980s marked a significant shift in American politics. Disillusionment with liberal policies and economic challenges fueled a desire for traditional values and free-market solutions, leading to the growth of conservative institutions and movements.
's presidency embodied this conservative resurgence, implementing supply-side economics and taking a hardline stance against the Soviet Union. His policies and charismatic leadership shaped the political landscape, leaving a lasting impact on American society and the Republican Party.
Rise of Conservatism in the 1970s & 1980s
Disillusionment with Liberal Policies
Top images from around the web for Disillusionment with Liberal Policies
The New Right in Power | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Media: The Triumph of the Right | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
The Reagan Revolution | US History II (OS Collection) View original
Is this image relevant?
The New Right in Power | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Media: The Triumph of the Right | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Disillusionment with Liberal Policies
The New Right in Power | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Media: The Triumph of the Right | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
The Reagan Revolution | US History II (OS Collection) View original
Is this image relevant?
The New Right in Power | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Media: The Triumph of the Right | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- The perceived failures of liberal policies led to disillusionment among some Americans and a desire for a return to traditional values
- Great Society programs (War on Poverty, Medicare, Medicaid) were seen as expensive and ineffective by conservatives
- The counterculture movement of the 1960s (sexual revolution, anti-war protests) challenged traditional social norms and values
- Economic challenges fueled discontent with the government and a call for free-market solutions
- High inflation eroded purchasing power and led to economic instability
- Rising unemployment caused hardship for many Americans
- The energy crisis of the 1970s (oil embargoes, gasoline shortages) highlighted America's dependence on foreign oil
Growth of Conservative Institutions and Movements
- The emergence of influential conservative think tanks provided intellectual support for conservative ideas and policies
- The promoted free-market economics and
- The advocated for conservative public policy solutions
- The growth of evangelical Christianity brought social and cultural issues to the forefront of conservative politics
- The "" movement, led by figures like Jerry Falwell, mobilized religious conservatives around issues such as abortion and school prayer
- Evangelical Christians became an important voting bloc for the Republican Party
- The increasing influence of conservative media helped to disseminate conservative ideas and rally support for conservative candidates
- Talk radio, with hosts like Rush Limbaugh, provided a platform for conservative commentary and criticism of liberal policies
- Publications like National Review, founded by William F. Buckley Jr., offered intellectual arguments for conservatism
- The charismatic leadership of Ronald Reagan played a significant role in the rise of conservatism
- Reagan effectively communicated conservative principles and appealed to a broad coalition of voters
- His optimistic vision of America and his ability to connect with average Americans helped to popularize conservative ideas
Reagan's Presidency: Impact on America
Economic Policy: "Reaganomics"
- Reagan's supply-side economic policies aimed to stimulate economic growth and reduce inflation
- The of 1981 (ERTA) lowered individual income tax rates, with the top rate falling from 70% to 50%
- The Tax Reform Act of 1986 further simplified the tax code and lowered individual tax rates, with the top rate falling to 28%
- efforts targeted various industries to reduce government intervention and promote free-market competition
- The airline industry was deregulated, leading to increased competition and lower fares
- The telecommunications industry was deregulated, paving the way for the growth of cable television and mobile phones
- Reagan's economic policies had mixed results
- The economy experienced a recession in 1981-1982, followed by a period of sustained growth
- Inflation and interest rates declined, but the federal budget deficit and national debt increased significantly
Foreign Policy: Confronting the Soviet Union
- Reagan's foreign policy was characterized by a hardline stance against the Soviet Union and the promotion of democracy abroad
- The provided support for anti-communist forces in countries like Nicaragua, Afghanistan, and Angola
- The U.S. increased military spending and pursued an arms buildup to counter the Soviet threat
- The (SDI), also known as "Star Wars," aimed to develop a space-based missile defense system
- SDI was intended to render Soviet nuclear missiles obsolete and shift the balance of power in the Cold War
- Critics argued that the technology was unproven and the cost was prohibitive
- Reagan's foreign policy contributed to the escalation of tensions with the Soviet Union, but also played a role in the eventual collapse of the Soviet system
- Reagan's "peace through strength" approach and his willingness to negotiate with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev helped to end the Cold War
- The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War era
Social and Political Impact
- Reagan's appointment of conservative justices to the Supreme Court had a lasting impact on the judiciary
- Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court
- Antonin Scalia was a prominent conservative voice on the court and advocated for originalism in constitutional interpretation
- The led to a political scandal and raised questions about the limits of executive power
- The Reagan administration secretly sold arms to Iran, in violation of an arms embargo, and diverted the proceeds to support anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua
- The scandal tarnished Reagan's reputation and led to investigations by Congress and a special prosecutor
- Reagan's legacy as a conservative icon endured long after his presidency
- His influence on the Republican Party shaped the political discourse and policy priorities of subsequent administrations
- Many Republicans continue to invoke Reagan's name and ideas as a model for conservative leadership
Principles and Policies of the Reagan Revolution
Core Principles of the 'Reagan Revolution'
- The 'Reagan Revolution' emphasized the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free-market economics
- Reagan argued that government was not the solution to problems, but rather the problem itself
- He believed in reducing the size and scope of the federal government and returning power to the states and the people
- Reagan advocated for free-market capitalism as the engine of economic growth and prosperity
- The 'Reagan Revolution' also included a renewed focus on traditional social values
- Reagan opposed abortion and supported a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe v. Wade
- He endorsed school prayer and criticized the Supreme Court's decisions limiting religious expression in public schools
- Reagan's alliance with the Christian Right helped to solidify the Republican Party's commitment to socially conservative positions
Economic Policies and Their Legacy
- Reagan's tax cuts and deregulation policies aimed to stimulate economic growth and job creation
- The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 (ERTA) and the Tax Reform Act of 1986 lowered individual income tax rates and simplified the tax code
- Deregulation efforts targeted various industries, such as transportation, energy, and finance, to reduce government intervention and promote free-market competition
- The Reagan administration's emphasis on reducing the size and scope of the federal government led to cuts in domestic spending
- Spending on social programs, such as welfare and food stamps, was reduced
- The devolution of power to state and local governments was promoted through block grants and other measures
- The legacy of Reagan's economic policies is contested
- Supporters argue that the policies laid the foundation for the economic boom of the 1980s and 1990s and helped to create millions of new jobs
- Critics contend that the policies led to rising income inequality, a growing national debt, and the erosion of the social safety net
Foreign Policy and the End of the Cold War
- Reagan's foreign policy focused on confronting the Soviet Union and promoting democracy abroad
- The Reagan Doctrine provided support for anti-communist forces in countries like Nicaragua, Afghanistan, and Angola
- Reagan pursued an arms buildup and the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) to counter the Soviet threat
- Reagan's foreign policy contributed to the end of the Cold War and the spread of democratic movements
- His "peace through strength" approach and his willingness to negotiate with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev helped to reduce tensions and end the Cold War
- The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the triumph of democracy over communism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
- The legacy of Reagan's foreign policy is debated
- Supporters credit Reagan with winning the Cold War and advancing the cause of freedom and democracy around the world
- Critics argue that his policies led to human rights abuses, the support of authoritarian regimes, and the neglect of other global challenges, such as poverty and disease
Conservative Movement: Shaping the Political Landscape
Impact on American Politics and Public Policy
- The conservative movement has had a significant impact on the ideological balance of American politics
- The movement has pulled the political center to the right on issues such as taxes, regulation, and the role of government
- Conservative ideas and policies have become mainstream within the Republican Party and have influenced moderate Democrats as well
- Conservative think tanks and advocacy groups have played a key role in developing and promoting conservative policy ideas
- The Heritage Foundation has provided research and analysis to support conservative positions on a wide range of issues
- The Cato Institute has advocated for libertarian policies, such as free trade and limited government
- Americans for Tax Reform, led by Grover Norquist, has pressured politicians to oppose tax increases and sign the "Taxpayer Protection Pledge"
- The success of conservative candidates at the federal, state, and local levels has led to the implementation of conservative policies
- Tax cuts, deregulation, and welfare reform have been major priorities for conservative policymakers
- Conservatives have also pursued policies to restrict abortion, expand gun rights, and limit the power of labor unions
Alliances and Coalitions within the Conservative Movement
- The alliance between the Republican Party and the conservative movement has had a lasting impact on the party's policy priorities and electoral strategies
- The Christian Right, led by organizations such as the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition, has become a powerful force within the Republican Party
- The Tea Party movement, which emerged in 2009 in opposition to the Obama administration's policies, has pushed the Republican Party further to the right on issues such as government spending and debt
- The conservative movement has also forged alliances with other groups and interests
- Business groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, have supported conservative economic policies
- The National Rifle Association (NRA) has been a key ally of the conservative movement on gun rights issues
- Conservative media outlets, such as Fox News and talk radio, have amplified conservative messages and mobilized conservative voters
Polarization and Resistance
- The conservative movement's impact on American politics has also sparked a counter-movement among liberals and progressives
- The rise of the conservative movement has led to increased polarization and partisan gridlock in recent decades
- Liberals and progressives have mobilized in opposition to conservative policies and have pushed for their own agenda on issues such as healthcare, education, and the environment
- The conservative movement's emphasis on originalism and strict constructionism in legal interpretation has influenced the composition of the federal judiciary
- Conservative presidents, such as Reagan and George W. Bush, have appointed conservative judges to the Supreme Court and lower courts
- The conservative legal movement, led by organizations such as the Federalist Society, has worked to promote conservative legal principles and challenge liberal court decisions
- The future of the conservative movement is uncertain in the face of demographic and generational changes
- The increasing diversity of the American electorate and the growing influence of younger, more liberal voters may pose challenges for the conservative movement
- The conservative movement may need to adapt its message and policies to appeal to a changing electorate while maintaining its core principles and values
Key Terms to Review (22)
1976 Republican National Convention: The 1976 Republican National Convention was a pivotal event where the Republican Party formally nominated Gerald Ford as its presidential candidate, following his assumption of the presidency after Richard Nixon's resignation. The convention took place in Kansas City, Missouri, and it showcased the party's internal divisions and the challenge of reconciling the moderate and conservative factions within the party. This event is significant as it set the stage for the rise of conservatism that would dominate U.S. politics in the subsequent decades.
1980 presidential election: The 1980 presidential election was a pivotal political event in the United States where Republican candidate Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter. This election marked a significant turning point in American politics, symbolizing the rise of conservatism and the beginning of the Reagan Revolution, which emphasized limited government, free-market economics, and a strong anti-communist foreign policy.
American Enterprise Institute: The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C., focused on promoting free-market principles, limited government, and individual liberty. Founded in 1943, AEI plays a significant role in shaping conservative economic policies and ideas that align with the values of the modern conservative movement, especially during the rise of conservatism in the late 20th century.
Bakke v. University of California: Bakke v. University of California was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1978 that addressed the issue of affirmative action in college admissions. The Court ruled that while affirmative action programs are constitutional, the use of strict racial quotas, as employed by the University of California, was not permissible. This case played a significant role in shaping the ongoing debates around race, equality, and access to higher education during the rise of conservatism and the Reagan Revolution.
Barry Goldwater: Barry Goldwater was a U.S. Senator from Arizona and a prominent figure in the American conservative movement, known for his presidential campaign in 1964 and his role in shaping modern conservatism. His candidacy is often seen as a catalyst for the rise of the conservative movement in the Republican Party, which later culminated in the Reagan Revolution during the 1980s.
Conservatism: Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes tradition, stability, and maintaining established institutions. In the context of the late 20th century, it often manifests in economic policies favoring free markets, limited government intervention, and a focus on individual responsibility, which became prominent during the Reagan Revolution. This movement sought to counteract liberal policies and championed a return to traditional values.
Deregulation: Deregulation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating government rules and restrictions in various industries, aimed at promoting competition and fostering economic growth. This movement gained significant traction during the late 20th century, particularly in the context of economic policies that embraced free-market principles, emphasizing minimal government intervention in the economy.
Economic Recovery Tax Act: The Economic Recovery Tax Act (ERTA) of 1981 was a significant piece of legislation aimed at stimulating the U.S. economy by implementing substantial tax cuts for individuals and businesses. This act was part of the broader conservative agenda during the Reagan administration, reflecting a shift toward supply-side economics, which emphasized lower taxes to encourage investment and economic growth. The ERTA not only reduced individual income tax rates but also provided incentives for businesses, hoping to spur job creation and enhance overall economic performance.
Family values: Family values refer to the set of beliefs and ideals that prioritize the importance of family and traditional social structures. These values emphasize the role of the nuclear family, defined by heterosexual marriage and child-rearing, as foundational to a stable society. During the rise of conservatism and the Reagan Revolution, these values were promoted as a response to social changes, portraying traditional families as essential for moral and social order.
Free market economics: Free market economics is an economic system where prices for goods and services are determined by the open market and consumers, with minimal government intervention. This approach emphasizes individual entrepreneurship, competition, and the belief that free markets can lead to innovation and efficiency in the economy. The rise of free market economics in the late 20th century aligned with a broader political shift towards conservatism, promoting deregulation and tax cuts as means to stimulate economic growth.
Heritage Foundation: The Heritage Foundation is a prominent conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., established in 1973. Its primary mission is to promote conservative public policies and ideas through research and advocacy, influencing the political landscape and shaping the ideological framework of the Republican Party, particularly during the rise of conservatism and the Reagan Revolution.
Iran-Contra Affair: The Iran-Contra Affair was a political scandal in the United States during the 1980s involving the secret sale of arms to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, to fund Nicaraguan rebels known as the Contras. This event exemplified the complexities of U.S. foreign policy during the Reagan administration, particularly regarding Cold War dynamics and the rise of conservatism that emphasized a strong anti-communist stance.
Law and order: Law and order refers to the maintenance of social order through the enforcement of laws and regulations designed to protect society from crime and disorder. In the context of the rise of conservatism and the Reagan Revolution, this term became a rallying cry for those advocating for tougher crime policies, increased policing, and a strong governmental response to perceived social unrest during the late 20th century.
Limited government: Limited government refers to a political system where the powers of the government are restricted by law, usually through a constitution, to protect individual rights and freedoms. This concept emphasizes that government should only have the authority necessary to perform its functions and no more, preventing it from overstepping its bounds and infringing upon citizens' liberties. The principle of limited government is foundational in conservative ideologies, particularly during the rise of conservatism and the Reagan Revolution.
Moral Majority: The Moral Majority was a prominent political organization founded in 1979 that sought to mobilize conservative Christians to engage in political activism and influence American politics based on traditional moral values. This group emerged during a time when many Americans felt that the nation was straying from its foundational beliefs, leading to a rise in conservatism and the eventual election of Ronald Reagan. The Moral Majority played a crucial role in uniting various Christian groups, advocating for issues like pro-life policies and opposing the perceived moral decay in society.
New Right: The New Right refers to a conservative political movement that emerged in the late 20th century, focusing on issues such as free markets, limited government, and traditional social values. This movement gained significant traction during the 1970s and 1980s, largely in response to perceived excesses of liberalism and social change. It played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape leading to the Reagan Revolution, mobilizing support among various groups, including evangelical Christians and disillusioned middle-class voters.
Reagan Doctrine: The Reagan Doctrine was a foreign policy strategy implemented by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, which aimed to counter Soviet influence around the world by supporting anti-communist insurgencies and movements. This doctrine marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the use of military and financial support to help overthrow communist governments and support freedom fighters in various regions, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Reaganomics: Reaganomics refers to the economic policies implemented by President Ronald Reagan during his administration in the 1980s, characterized by supply-side economics, tax cuts, and deregulation. This approach aimed to stimulate economic growth by reducing government intervention in the economy, cutting taxes for individuals and businesses, and encouraging private sector investment. The term is closely associated with the broader rise of conservatism and the political revolution that Reagan symbolized during this era.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke: Regents of the University of California v. Bakke was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1978 that addressed affirmative action in higher education admissions. The ruling determined that while affirmative action programs could consider race as a factor, strict racial quotas were unconstitutional, leading to significant discussions about race, equality, and educational access amid changing demographics and rising conservatism.
Ronald Reagan: Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989. He is best known for his role in the rise of conservatism in American politics and for his pivotal leadership during the final stages of the Cold War, contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of decades of tension between the two superpowers.
Strategic Defense Initiative: The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was a proposed missile defense system announced by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, aimed at protecting the United States from nuclear missile attacks, particularly from the Soviet Union. The initiative sought to develop advanced technology to intercept and destroy incoming missiles in space, thereby creating a defensive shield that would render nuclear weapons obsolete. SDI was a key aspect of the broader military and foreign policy strategies during the rise of conservatism in the 1980s, reflecting a shift towards a more aggressive stance against perceived threats.
Watergate Scandal: The Watergate Scandal was a political scandal in the United States during the early 1970s that involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration. This scandal ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation, revealing significant abuses of power and corruption within the government, which in turn raised questions about presidential authority and accountability.