Explain the reasons for the rise of new conservatism in the US between 1960 and 1989.

History · High School · Thu Jan 21 2021

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 The rise of new conservatism in the United States between 1960 and 1989 can be attributed to a variety of social, economic, and political factors:

1. Sociocultural Backlash: Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, significant social changes were taking place in the U.S. This period saw the Civil Rights Movement, the anti-Vietnam War protests, the women's liberation movement, and the emerging counterculture. Many Americans, especially those from older generations or more traditional backgrounds, felt uncomfortable with these rapid changes. New conservatives appealed to these individuals by advocating a return to traditional values and norms.

2. Economic Concerns: The 1970s experienced economic woes characterized by stagflation (a combination of stagnation and inflation), which undermined confidence in liberal economic policies. There was an increased emphasis on free-market solutions, deregulation, and a reduction of government intervention in the economy, ideas which were central to conservatism.

3. Cold War Rhetoric: The intensity of the Cold War against the Soviet Union led to a strong anti-communist sentiment among Americans. Conservatives were particularly vocal in their anti-communist stance and pushed for a more aggressive foreign policy, which resonated with many citizens wary of Soviet influence and the spread of communism.

4. Disillusionment with Government: Events such as the Watergate scandal contributed to public disillusionment with the government. Conservatives capitalized on this sentiment by promoting smaller government and questioning the efficacy and morality of the federal establishment.

5. Religious Revival: The latter half of the 20th century also saw a resurgence of religious conservativism. The rise of the "Moral Majority" and similar groups blended social conservativism with political action, creating a powerful voting bloc that aligned closely with conservative political candidates, promoting family values, and opposition to abortion and gay rights.

6. The Success of Conservative Politicians and Intellectuals: Politicians like Ronald Reagan in the U.S. and intellectual movements like neoconservatism played a substantial role in the popularization of conservative ideologies. These figures articulated the conservative perspective on governance, economics, and foreign policy, appealing to Americans' desire for leadership that promised to restore the country's economic prosperity and international standing.

These and other factors led to a significant shift in the American political landscape, with conservatism becoming a dominant force in the latter part of the 20th century.