1980 Election
The 1980 election marked a significant shift in American politics, signaling the decline of liberalism and the rise of conservatism. Economic stagnation, exacerbated by the aftermath of the Great Society programs and compounded by crises such as Watergate, the oil embargo, and the Iran hostage situation, eroded public confidence in the federal government.
Megnyitás
1980 Election Ronald Reagan Was an actor in Hollywood films Governor of California Faith in traditional values strong support of military he had an opposition to big government New Right supported "sagebrush rebels" activists who thought the federal government had
too much control in western states More control to the states Supported traditional family life-style married father and mother and their children Affirmative action led to reverse discrimination Criticized federal welfare programs rewarded lack of effort Unfunded mandates programs required but not paid for by the
federal government Government taxed citizens and businesses too heavily Liberal policies were to blame for stagflation Resurgent conservative movement, a coalition of varying
groups with the same ideas and goals Conservatives Relied on own national defense to actively
fight against communism Supported traditional values, not counterculture Reduce taxes and limit government regulations Liberal policies left rising inflation and enormous waste Felt large government intervention damaged economic
growth and individual choice
groth Religious Factor Emphasis on traditional values of life Reached out to those not participating in the political process Moral Majority worked to fulfill religious goals Downfall of Liberalism Decline in northern economies lowered optimism for the future Economy stagnated after the Great Society Watergate, oil crisis, and Iran hostage crisis weakened the
public's faith in the federal government Counterculture white conservative christians in the south alienated mid-western Americans Vietnam War and urban riots Liberals International diplomacy to combat communism Cooperation with international organizations United Nations Greater government regulation of industry Sponsored laws that protected rights of minorities and women Valued social programs help needy, elder, unemployed Federal government have a significant role in society
