Question

IF YOU HELP I AM GOING TO BE SO THANKFUL WITH YOU.

Prompt


1. Utilize the provided readings including Environmental Readings Reagan Conservatism, and the “Conservatism” Reading Packet


2. Over the past forty years, the story of politics has been a turn to conservatism. Evaluate the reasons for this “right” turn and its impact (cause and effect) on American life illustrating how it impacted politics, social movements, and the economy. (Hint: start with what the liberal consensus was, look at the causes during the 1950s-1970s - including Buckley), talk about Regan Revolution, and end with how it impacted presidents in the late 20th and in the 21st century, such as Clinton, W. Bush, and Obama).


3. Assignments need to have a minimum of six (6) direct quotations from the primary source reading documents, consisting of multiple viewpoints/speakers (i.e. not all should be from the same title/speaker/source)


4. All references must be cited using footnotes or a penalty will be assessed (see page 2) Be sure to draw on the documents assigned as well as lecture notes and textbook readings in developing your answer. Remember that the majority of your examples need to come from the documents and that they need to be the basis for your argument.

Answer 1

The turn to conservatism in American politics over the past forty years can be attributed to various factors. To understand this shift, it is essential to examine the liberal consensus that existed prior to this period. The post-World War II era saw the emergence of a liberal consensus characterized by the dominance of Keynesian economics, the expansion of the welfare state, and a general belief in the efficacy of government intervention to address social and economic issues.

However, during the 1950s-1970s, several developments challenged this liberal consensus and paved the way for a conservative resurgence. Intellectuals like William F. Buckley and organizations like the National Review played a significant role in articulating conservative ideas and promoting a limited government, free-market capitalism, and traditional social values.

The Reagan Revolution in the 1980s marked a pivotal moment in the conservative turn. Ronald Reagan, elected as the 40th President of the United States, championed conservative principles such as deregulation, tax cuts, and a strong national defense. Reagan's policies aimed to stimulate economic growth, reduce government interference, and promote individual liberty. This era also saw the rise of the New Right movement, which brought together conservative Christians, anti-communists, and supporters of small government.

The impact of this conservative turn on American life has been far-reaching. In politics, it reshaped the ideological landscape, with the Republican Party adopting a more conservative stance. The Democratic Party, in response, underwent a process of ideological realignment to appeal to a broader base. This shift in the political spectrum influenced policy debates, campaign strategies, and electoral outcomes.

Social movements also felt the effects of conservatism's rise. The conservative movement actively opposed the expansion of civil rights, the feminist movement, and progressive social changes. The conservative backlash against social movements led to a polarization of society, with cultural and social issues becoming central to political discourse.

Economically, Reagan's policies of deregulation and tax cuts aimed to stimulate economic growth by reducing government intervention. This approach, known as "Reaganomics" or supply-side economics, emphasized the importance of free markets and individual initiative. While supporters argue that these policies contributed to economic growth, critics point to rising income inequality and the erosion of the middle class.

The impact of conservatism on subsequent presidents varied. President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, adopted some conservative policies such as welfare reform and fiscal restraint, which aimed to appeal to centrist voters. During the George W. Bush administration, conservative principles informed policies such as tax cuts, foreign policy interventions, and an emphasis on traditional social values. Barack Obama, elected in the wake of the financial crisis, pursued a more progressive agenda but faced significant opposition from conservative lawmakers.

In conclusion, the turn to conservatism in American politics over the past forty years was influenced by various factors, including challenges to the liberal consensus, the Reagan Revolution, and the rise of conservative intellectual and grassroots movements. This shift had a significant impact on politics, social movements, and the economy, shaping policy debates and contributing to a more polarized political landscape.