Final answer:
The conservative revolution in the early 1980s was driven by dissatisfaction with prior liberal policies, the growing influence of the New Right led by Ronald Reagan, and various social and economic concerns that led to an embrace of conservative values and policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conservative revolution of the early 1980s was sparked by a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction with the liberal policies of the 1960s and 1970s. Leading up to the 1980 election, there was a powerful shift towards conservative values, spearheaded by Ronald Reagan and the New Right. This group, composed of high-income supporters, evangelical Christians, and those opposed to heavy taxation and big government policies, galvanized support for conservative policies.
Key factors contributing to the rise of conservatism included the growth of conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, discontent with federal leadership during the presidencies of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, and the desire to reinstate "traditional" family values. This translated into policies aimed at reducing government size, limiting taxes, and dismantling social welfare programs, all of which resonated with a significant portion of the American electorate.
The movement also sought to counteract perceived liberal excesses with stances against affirmative action, abortion, and movements for gay and lesbian rights. Additionally, the war on drugs, the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and the issue of mass incarceration, often enforced along racial lines, were of prominent concern during this period and contributed to the conservative momentum.