Mr. Lahasky - APUSH Period 9 - Lecture #48 - The Age of Conservatism

Summary

The video script explores the rise of conservatism in American politics, tracing its roots from the New Deal coalition to the influential presidency of Ronald Reagan. It discusses the causes behind the conservative shift in the 1970s and 1980s, including social unrest, economic downturns, and the impact of issues like abortion and gay rights. The script examines how Reagan reshaped the Republican Party and how conservative policies dominated through the presidencies of George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. It also touches on the legacy of conservatism through Barack Obama and Donald Trump's influence, leaving the question of whether the age of conservatism has ended or continues into the present day.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Democratic Party maintained control of the federal government from 1933 to 1980, with the New Deal coalition supporting various social groups.
• 😀 Ronald Reagan's election in 1980 dismantled the New Deal coalition, establishing the foundation for modern Republicanism and ushering in a conservative age in American politics.
• 😀 Conservative politics of the 1980s emphasized limited government, low taxes, traditional social values, and a strong foreign policy, all shaped by social unrest and economic downturns of the 1960s and 70s.
• 😀 The rise of conservatism in the late 20th century was fueled by factors like the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and economic challenges.
• 😀 Reagan's presidential victory in 1980 marked the emergence of a new coalition within the Republican Party, uniting wealthy Americans, rural voters, and Southern evangelicals.
• 😀 Reagan’s policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, led to economic growth, but critics argue that the benefits did not trickle down to lower-income groups as expected.
• 😀 Despite some economic challenges during Reagan's presidency, the era is remembered for a significant expansion in military spending and a reduction in social welfare programs.
• 😀 The Clinton presidency (1993-2001) was marked by a mix of conservative fiscal policies and a compromise on social issues, reflecting the ongoing dominance of conservative values in American politics.
• 😀 George W. Bush’s presidency continued conservative policies with tax cuts and military expansion, but the 2008 financial crisis highlighted the limitations of deregulation and fiscal conservatism.
• 😀 Barack Obama's election in 2008 marked a shift, signaling a potential end to the conservative era, yet his policies still reflected significant compromise with conservative interests, especially on fiscal matters.

Q & A

What was the New Deal coalition, and how did it shape American politics between 1933 and 1980?

The New Deal coalition, assembled by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, brought together blue-collar workers, white Southerners, racial minorities, and some farmers to support the Democratic Party. It played a significant role in maintaining Democratic control of the federal government until 1980.

How did Ronald Reagan reshape the Republican Party in 1980?

Ronald Reagan dismantled the New Deal coalition in 1980 and transformed the Republican Party by appealing to rural white Americans, promoting individualism, limited government, and economic deregulation. His leadership solidified the modern conservative movement in the U.S.

What were the main causes of the conservative backlash in the 1970s and 1980s?

The conservative backlash in the 1970s and 1980s was fueled by social unrest from the 1960s and 1970s, an economic downturn, rising mistrust in government, the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, and cultural shifts like the civil rights movements and the rise of evangelical Christianity.

What role did evangelical Christians play in the conservative movement of the 1980s?

Evangelical Christians became a significant political force in the 1980s, particularly in the Gulf South. They were mobilized by issues such as abortion rights and the gay liberation movement, which Reagan and the Republicans used to appeal to their values.

What were the major policy changes implemented by Ronald Reagan during his presidency?

Reagan focused on cutting taxes, deregulating industries, and increasing military spending. His economic policies included tax cuts for the wealthy and the implementation of trickle-down economics, which aimed to stimulate growth but ultimately led to rising national debt.

How did Bill Clinton's presidency continue the conservative agenda despite being a Democrat?

Clinton's presidency continued many conservative policies, including fiscal responsibility (with a budget surplus), welfare cuts, and a focus on law and order. His compromises on social issues like 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and the Defense of Marriage Act aligned with conservative priorities.

What was the significance of George W. Bush's presidency in terms of conservative politics?

George W. Bush's presidency continued many conservative policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation. His foreign policy, particularly after 9/11, was highly hawkish, resulting in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which drove up military spending and national debt.

What marked the turning point in the conservative age with Barack Obama's election?

Barack Obama's election in 2008 represented a shift away from the policies of George W. Bush, particularly in terms of economic management and healthcare reform. However, Obama faced significant opposition from conservatives, and many of his policies were moderated or blocked by Congress.

Did the election of Donald Trump in 2016 indicate the end of the conservative era?

Donald Trump's election in 2016 reaffirmed the strength of conservative politics in America, but it also marked a shift in the nature of conservatism. Trump's populist rhetoric and focus on issues like immigration and trade differed from traditional conservative values, signaling a transformation within the movement.

Is the age of conservatism over, according to the script, and what factors are at play?

The script suggests that the age of conservatism may not be over yet. Despite recent Democratic victories, conservative policies still dominate many state legislatures, and the Supreme Court has a conservative tilt. The political landscape remains divided, and it’s unclear if we are at the end of the conservative era.