American SOCIETY in TRANSITION [APUSH Review Unit 8 Topic 14] Period 8: 1945-1980

Summary

In this video, Heimlich explores the rise of conservatism in America during the 1960s and 1970s, countering the liberal movements of the time. He examines the backlash against cultural shifts like the Vietnam War protests, the women’s liberation movement, and civil rights advancements. Key figures such as Barry Goldwater, William F. Buckley, and Jerry Falwell emerge as major influences in shaping the conservative movement. Topics covered include economic struggles, the Watergate scandal, the fight against Roe v. Wade, and controversies over affirmative action, ultimately setting the stage for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 election.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1960s and 1970s saw a growing liberal movement in the U.S., driven by programs like Lyndon Johnson's Great Society and the women's liberation movement.
• 😀 Conservatives during this period, particularly in the South, were alarmed by cultural shifts, including anti-Vietnam War protests and changes in the traditional American family structure.
• 😀 The conservative backlash culminated in the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, but the roots of this movement began in the 1960s and 1970s.
• 😀 The 'New Right' emerged as a coalition of conservatives, notably led by Barry Goldwater, focusing on resisting liberalism and promoting religious and populist values.
• 😀 The John Birch Society was a key manifestation of more radical conservatism, opposing communism and government interference, and promoting conspiracy theories, like opposition to fluoride in water.
• 😀 William F. Buckley represented a more moderate strain of conservatism, denouncing radical groups like the John Birch Society to prevent the movement from being radicalized.
• 😀 The rise of the religious right, fueled by figures like Jerry Falwell and his Moral Majority, became a significant force in conservative politics, especially after the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
• 😀 Focus on the Family, led by James Dobson, emerged as another influential group, advocating for conservative Christian values on issues like prayer in schools and resistance to gay rights.
• 😀 Economic troubles in the 1970s, such as the oil crisis, stagflation, and a recession, eroded public trust in the government, making conservatives more vocal in their critiques.
• 😀 The Watergate scandal in 1972-1974, where Richard Nixon was implicated in a cover-up, deepened public disillusionment with the government and contributed to the rise of conservative movements.
• 😀 Conservatives clashed with liberals over key social issues like the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and affirmative action, with conservatives opposing both, citing concerns over traditional gender roles and racial quotas.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of conservatives in the 1960s and 1970s?

The primary goal of conservatives in the 1960s and 1970s was to push back against the liberal and progressive trends of the time, particularly in response to the growing influence of movements like the civil rights movement, women's liberation, and the counterculture, which challenged traditional American values.

What was the 'New Right' movement, and who coined the term?

The 'New Right' was a coalition of conservatives who resisted the rise of liberalism and emphasized traditional values, including religious principles and anti-egalitarian beliefs. The term was coined by Barry Goldwater during his 1964 presidential campaign.

How did the John Birch Society contribute to the conservative movement?

The John Birch Society, founded in the 1950s, contributed to the conservative movement by opposing communism and advocating for limited government. It also promoted conspiracy theories, such as the belief that government initiatives like fluoride in the water supply were attempts at mass mind control.

What role did William F. Buckley play in the conservative movement?

William F. Buckley was a leading figure in moderating the conservative movement. Through his influential magazine 'National Review,' he condemned the more radical factions, such as the John Birch Society, to prevent the movement from becoming too extreme.

How did the rise of the religious right impact the conservative movement?

The rise of the religious right in the 1970s significantly shaped the conservative movement, particularly through figures like Jerry Falwell. This group was mobilized by issues such as the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, which united Protestant and Catholic Christians who had previously been divided.

What was the significance of the Roe v. Wade decision for conservative Christians?

The Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion in 1973, was a pivotal moment for conservative Christians. It prompted them to organize politically in opposition to abortion, leading to the formation of groups like the Moral Majority, which played a key role in the conservative backlash.

What were the economic challenges faced by America in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, America faced significant economic challenges, including an oil crisis, stagflation (high inflation combined with economic stagnation), and a deep recession. These factors eroded public confidence in the government's ability to solve economic problems.

How did the Watergate scandal affect public trust in the government?

The Watergate scandal severely damaged public trust in the government. When it was revealed that President Nixon had endorsed illegal activities to spy on political opponents and then lied about it, it led to his resignation in 1974, further eroding the public's faith in government institutions.

What was the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and why did conservatives oppose it?

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring gender equality. Conservatives, particularly figures like Phyllis Schlafly, opposed it, arguing that it would undermine traditional family structures and lead to unintended consequences like the elimination of gender-specific roles.

How did the Bakke case influence the debate over affirmative action?

The Bakke v. University of California case (1978) challenged the use of racial quotas in college admissions. The Supreme Court ruled that while race could be considered in admissions decisions, setting aside specific spots for minorities was unconstitutional, making it a landmark case in the affirmative action debate.