Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the topic of the conservative backlash in Unit 8 of the AP US History curriculum. It highlights that while liberalism had been on the rise (e.g., Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society and the women's liberation movement), conservatives were growing increasingly concerned.
The 1960s and 1970s saw significant cultural shifts that alarmed conservatives, including anti-Vietnam War protests, changes in traditional family structures due to the women's movement, and gains made by the civil rights movement. Early conservative groups like the Young Americans for Freedom and the John Birch Society emerged, with Barry Goldwater coining the term 'New Right.' More moderate conservatives, like William F. Buckley Jr. and his National Review, also gained influence, distancing themselves from radical elements.
The religious right experienced rapid growth, primarily fueled by conservative Christians opposing liberal trends. The 1973 Roe v. Wade decision (legalizing abortion) was a major catalyst, uniting Protestant and Catholic Christians. Jerry Falwell founded the Moral Majority in 1979, blending Christianity with conservative politics. James Dobson's 'Focus on the Family' radio program also advocated for prayer in schools and opposed gay rights.
Economic turmoil in the 1970s, characterized by the oil crisis and stagflation (high inflation and stagnant economy), led to a recession and decreased public confidence in the government. The Watergate scandal further eroded trust in the government after President Nixon's involvement in a break-in and subsequent cover-up led to his resignation, boosting conservative arguments for limited government.
Conservatives clashed with liberals over several issues. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which aimed for gender equality, was not ratified largely due to conservative opposition led by Phyllis Schlafly. Another point of contention was affirmative action, a program designed to address past discrimination by considering race in hiring and college admissions. This led to 'white resentment' and a landmark Supreme Court case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), which ruled against minority quotas but allowed race as one factor in admissions.