The Rise of Conservatism: Crash Course US History #41

Summary

In this episode of CrashCourse U.S. History, John Green explores the rise of conservatism in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the shift from the Democratic to the Republican Party, especially in the South. The episode highlights key political figures like Barry Goldwater and Richard Nixon, the emergence of free market ideologies, and the challenges posed by social movements, including civil rights and the sexual revolution. Nixon's presidency, despite its scandals and contradictions, marked a pivotal moment in the political landscape, with his eventual resignation following the Watergate scandal and its consequences for American governance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Richard Nixon's rise to conservatism in the 1960s and 1970s marked a shift in U.S. politics, with southern states moving from Democratic to Republican due to conservative ideals around civil rights and 'big government'.
• 😀 The conservative movement was fueled by both libertarian and moral conservatives, who were united by a desire to reduce government regulation and resist communism.
• 😀 The 1964 presidential election, although a landslide victory for Lyndon Johnson, was a significant moment for conservatives, as Barry Goldwater's nomination marked a challenge to the liberal wing of the Republican Party.
• 😀 Goldwater's stance on the Cold War and the New Deal were critical to his loss in 1964, but his campaign solidified the conservative base within the Republican Party.
• 😀 Nixon's 1968 victory capitalized on the 'silent majority'—a group of Americans who were dissatisfied with the cultural changes of the 1960s, particularly the anti-war movement and civil rights advancements.
• 😀 Nixon's 'Southern Strategy' exploited white southerners' resistance to civil rights and helped consolidate a more conservative voter base in the South.
• 😀 Although Nixon campaigned on shrinking government, his presidency saw continued liberal programs, like environmental protections and affirmative action.
• 😀 Nixon's nomination of conservative figures to the Supreme Court, like Warren Burger, resulted in decisions that expanded civil rights, which disappointed many conservatives.
• 😀 The Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 galvanized religious conservatives, particularly Catholics and Evangelicals, contributing to the rise of the Religious Right.
• 😀 Watergate exposed Nixon's abuse of power and led to his resignation, signaling a deeper distrust in government and further strengthening conservative views on limited government intervention.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the episode?

The episode primarily focuses on the rise of conservatism in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, examining the political and cultural shifts of the time, including the growth of the conservative movement, the influence of Richard Nixon, and the realignment of the Southern states from the Democratic to the Republican Party.

How did Richard Nixon’s rise to power reflect broader political trends in the 1960s?

Nixon's rise to power was closely tied to the broader conservative backlash against the 1960s cultural movements, including the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the sexual revolution. His appeal to the 'silent majority' of Americans, who were concerned about these changes, helped him win the presidency in 1968 despite the turbulence of the time.

What was significant about the 1964 presidential election?

The 1964 election was significant not because of the outcome, but because of the Republican Party’s shift toward a more conservative ideology. Barry Goldwater, although defeated by Lyndon B. Johnson, represented a break from the moderate Republicans and advocated for a harder stance on the Cold War and a rejection of the New Deal liberal welfare state.

What was the Southern strategy that Nixon employed during his campaign?

Nixon’s Southern strategy aimed to attract white southerners who were disillusioned by the Democratic Party’s support for civil rights. He used coded language about 'law and order' to appeal to this demographic and further the Republican Party’s foothold in the South, which had traditionally been a Democratic stronghold.

What was the impact of Roe v. Wade on American conservatism?

The Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion, was a pivotal moment for American conservatives. It galvanized Catholic and Evangelical Protestant groups who opposed the decision, marking the beginning of a significant cultural and political battle over issues of reproductive rights and family values.

What role did the 'silent majority' play in Nixon's 1968 election victory?

The 'silent majority' was a term Nixon used to describe Americans who were not actively protesting or engaging in the countercultural movements of the 1960s. Nixon campaigned as their representative, promising a return to traditional values, law and order, and a more conservative approach to politics, which resonated with many voters who felt alienated by the changes of the era.

Why did Goldwater’s 1964 campaign fail despite representing a conservative shift?

Goldwater’s campaign failed largely because his hardline stance on the Cold War and his willingness to consider nuclear warfare made him seem extreme to many voters. The 'Daisy' ad, which portrayed him as a danger to global safety, solidified this image and contributed to his massive defeat.

How did Nixon’s domestic policies contradict conservative ideals?

Although Nixon campaigned on a platform of reducing government intervention, his presidency saw the expansion of several government programs, including environmental protections, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, and affirmative action. These actions contradicted conservative calls for smaller government but were politically popular and aimed at addressing social issues.

What was the significance of Nixon’s resignation in 1974?

Nixon’s resignation following the Watergate scandal was historically significant as it marked the first time a U.S. president resigned due to a scandal. The Watergate investigations revealed abuses of power, particularly the cover-up of the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, and reinforced the principle that the president is not above the law.

What was the cultural backlash against the sexual revolution in the 1970s, and how did it shape conservatism?

The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, which included growing acceptance of premarital sex, abortion rights, and birth control, was met with strong backlash from conservatives who viewed it as a breakdown of traditional family values. This led to increased political mobilization among social conservatives, particularly Catholics and Evangelicals, who became a driving force in the conservative movement during this period.