Summary
Highlights
The modern conservative movement began with Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, emphasizing a transfer of political power from the federal government back to the states, a direct criticism of New Deal liberalism. After the faltering of conservative power following Nixon's resignation and perceived failures of Jimmy Carter's administration, Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980, becoming the brightest star of the right-wing universe.
Reagan's core belief, 'Government is the problem,' led to two main policy thrusts. First, significant tax cuts were enacted through the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, based on supply-side economics. This theory, contrasted with Keynesian economics, aimed to stimulate the economy by reducing government influence and cutting taxes for the wealthy, with the expectation that wealth would 'trickle down' and create jobs. However, these policies led to rising unemployment in the early years and a tripling of the federal deficit, as cuts to social programs were often resisted, while military spending increased dramatically.
Reagan also pursued extensive deregulation of businesses, expanding on efforts started under Carter. He aimed to dismantle government oversights, such as those from federal agencies like the Department of Labor and the EPA, arguing that regulations hindered business profits and reinvestment. An example is the deregulation of the natural gas industry, which led to increased production and lower prices. Reagan appointed leaders ideologically opposed to the missions of regulatory agencies, significantly easing enforcement of environmental protection laws.
Reagan's agenda set the stage for continued political debates throughout the rest of the 20th century. After Reagan, George H.W. Bush faced a massive budget deficit, forcing him to raise taxes, leading to his single term. Bill Clinton followed, embodying a mix of conservative economics and liberal social policies. Four major debates emerged: free trade agreements (like NAFTA), the scope of government safety net policies (Clinton's healthcare reform), traditional versus progressive social values, and immigration policy.
Conservatives argued that liberal policies led to a decay in traditional family values, exemplified by opposition to Roe v. Wade and the women's liberation movement. The intertwining of evangelical Christian beliefs with conservative politics, as seen with figures like Pat Robertson, infused a religious zeal into these debates, particularly regarding abortion and gender roles. The AIDS crisis in the 1980s highlighted these tensions, as the Reagan administration's minimal response was influenced by religious right views on homosexuality, leading to the mobilization of gay activists.
Increased immigration from Mexico after 1965 led to a divided conservative response. Some argued immigrants stole jobs and couldn't assimilate, while others highlighted their economic contributions. Reagan's Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 sought a compromise, offering a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants while imposing penalties on businesses hiring them. This period showcased the complex and lasting impact of the conservative movement on American policy and society.