Final answer:
In the 1970s, conservative backlash was a reaction against liberalism, emphasizing 'traditional' values. Ronald Reagan's presidency solidified this trend, as the New Right sought to shrink federal government and reduce welfare programs, while conservative Christians influenced social policy. Tensions existed within the conservative movement regarding equality and social norms, alongside the exacerbation of racial disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conservative Backlash of the 1970s:
The conservative backlash of the 1970s was a reaction against the perceived excesses and cultural shifts that had marked the 1960s and early 1970s. Ronald Reagan's election victory in 1980 solidified the conservative trend, signaling a potential end to the liberal policies that had become prominent. Reagan's win was underpinned by a coalition of Republican and moderate Democrat support, driven by a shared desire for a return to 'traditional' family values and less government intervention. This stance emphasized a patriarchal social order and conservative Christian views, which sought to outlaw abortion and halt the gay rights movement. Simultaneously, there was bipartisan support for increasing military and law enforcement spending, despite the general conservative call for limited government.
The New Right emerged as a conservative movement that aimed to reduce federal government's size, lower taxes, and cut social welfare programs, all while retaining opposition to programs such as affirmative action that they believed weakened meritocracy and social cohesion. There was a discernible increase in social conservatism as well, with resistance to changes in social and ethical norms from groups like the Moral Majority. Furthermore, the Heritage Foundation played a pivotal role in influencing conservative policy, enhancing the conservative dialogue that elevated Reagan to the presidency.
Despite the conservative rhetoric and policy shifts, there was internal tension in the movement between those seeking a balance of equality and limited government and others desiring a regression to past social norms. Moreover, conservative policies had a disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups, especially Black and Hispanic communities, amplifying racial disparities and inequalities in legal and incarceration practices.