Final answer:
Barry Goldwater scared many Americans in 1964 due to his message of limited government, opposition to civil rights, and conservative ideology out of step with the majority.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1964, Barry Goldwater, the Republican nominee for president, scared many Americans for several reasons. Firstly, Goldwater rallied those who believed that the federal government was becoming too big and too powerful. This message of limited government appealed to some Americans, but it also frightened others who saw the government's involvement as necessary for addressing societal issues like discrimination and poverty.
Secondly, Goldwater opposed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, even though he personally claimed to support integration. This stance on civil rights alienated many Americans, particularly those who believed in the importance of racial equality.
Lastly, Goldwater's conservative ideology and views on foreign policy, such as advocating for a more aggressive strategy against communism, were out of step with the majority of Americans who were more aligned with the liberal goals of President Johnson, including staying out of the Vietnam War. All these factors combined to create fear and unease among many Americans.