Kategorier: Alle - society - government - reagan - conservatism

av Austin Massey 5 år siden

122

1980 Election

The 1980 election marked a significant shift towards conservatism in the United States, especially in the South. This change was driven by a growing resonance with Republican ideals, as many poor liberals switched sides due to economic dissatisfaction and concerns over traditional values.

1980 Election

1980 Election

Liberal vs. Conservative

Conservatives favored economic growth, and believed that government intervention would suppress this. They did not want to waste money on social welfare programs, and they valued traditional ideas.
Liberals in general wanted more government intervention than conservatives. They also supported the women's movement and minorities. They were in favor of social welfare programs and working with organizations such as the United Nations.

Regan Wins

The House of Representatives was Democratic, but the Senate was Republican.
Despite receiving just over 50% of the votes, Reagan received 489 electoral votes.
Carter was very close behind despite not very much campaigning until the last debate. This was where Reagan pulled ahead.
He was involved in Goldwater's campaign; he was elected governor of California in 1966.
His acting career led to him earning a job as a spokesperson for the General Electric Company, where he spoke out against big government and high taxes.
Big government, strong military.
Very optimistic.

Conservatism Increases

Republican ideals became more resonant in the South, for the population was moving this way. Conservatives wanted money for the people, so many poor liberals switched sides.
The Equal Rights Act as well as homosexuality in general were condemned. The Engel v. Vitale decision was viewed as wrong, and 2 million more registered to vote as a result of the movement.
Conservatives also supported many religious groups who supported traditional values. The Moral Majority, founded by Reverend Jerry Falwell, was one such group.
The New Right accuses increased spending on liberal social programs of being the cause of stagflation. Great Society programs were also blamed for the deterioration of traditional families.
Following Vietnam, the United States disagreed regarding many ideas, such as the Great Society. This led to a decrease in liberalism. Americans also had not regained trust in the government since the Watergate scandal, and many attempts to fight poverty had failed.