Categorieën: Alle - liberalism - conservatism - economy - demographics

door Elise Hermann 5 jaren geleden

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Reagan's Election

The rise of conservatism in the late 20th century is attributed to several long-term and short-term factors. Demographic and population trends played a significant role in bolstering the conservative movement, as many Americans began to see liberalism as less appealing due to economic stagnation and disillusionment with government scandals like Watergate.

Reagan's Election

Reagan's Election

Short Term Factors

Presidential debate- Reagan's skills as communicator showed, appeared friendly and even tempered, and calmed fears that he did not have enough experience to be President.
Carter, his opponent, looked like a lame duck. Shaming Cater's presidency. Asked audience if they were better off 4 years ago
Reagan was governor of California
National televised address- criticized big government, high taxes, and warned dangers of communism. Won admiration of conservatives
Acting career/spokesperson- fans, supporters
Reagan opposed big government, supported strong military, and had faith in traditional values
Reagan's appearance more polished and charismatic
Migration from the Rust Belt
The New Right, conservative movement, grew rapidly and was a coalition of several different groups with varying ideas and goals
New conservative agenda
Republicans became increasingly critical of the liberal policies of the Democrats

Long Term Factors

Population Trends Boost Conservation
Republicans attacked school busing as form of social engineering that threatened traditional neighborhood schools
Demographic, population trends strengthened conservative movement
Religious Participation Rises
Moral Majority registered at least 2 million new voters, distributed report cards on candidates
Moral majority gained support by reaching out to Americans who had traditionally not participated in the political process
Moral Majority- traditional family, condemned Equal Rights Amendment and homosexuality
New Right Criticized Liberal Programs
Sagebrush rebels
Affirmative action programs went too far and contributed to reverse discrimination
Welfare contributed to decline of traditional family
Great Society made problem worse, not better
Federal welfare programs rewarded lack of effort
Unfunded mandates, programs required but not paid for by federal government
Government taxed citizens and businesses too heavily and spent too much on the wrong programs
Conservatives believed liberal policies were responsible for stagflation and other economic problems of 1970s
Liberalism Lost its Appeal
Economy stagnated, so liberal ideas lost their pull and conservative beliefs became more attractive
Watergate, oil crises of 1970s, and Iran hostage crisis further weakened public's faith in government
Vietnam War and urban riots divided people who had rallied around President Johnson's Great Society
Democratic Party unraveled