Conservatism

Definition

Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes tradition, stability, and maintaining established institutions. In the context of the late 20th century, it often manifests in economic policies favoring free markets, limited government intervention, and a focus on individual responsibility, which became prominent during the Reagan Revolution. This movement sought to counteract liberal policies and championed a return to traditional values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of conservatism in the late 20th century was partly a reaction against the perceived excesses of liberal policies in the 1960s and 1970s, including civil rights movements and welfare expansion.
2. Ronald Reagan's presidency (1981-1989) is often seen as a turning point for conservatism in America, revitalizing the Republican Party and reshaping national policy.
3. Conservative leaders emphasized a strong national defense during the Cold War, promoting military spending and anti-communist rhetoric.
4. The conservative movement utilized mass media effectively, particularly talk radio and later cable news, to spread its message and mobilize supporters.
5. Key legislative achievements during the Reagan era included tax cuts, deregulation of industries, and a shift towards privatization of government services.

Review Questions

• How did the conservative movement respond to the social changes of the 1960s and 1970s?
  • The conservative movement emerged as a reaction to the social changes during the 1960s and 1970s, which included civil rights advancements, anti-war protests, and increased government welfare programs. Conservatives argued that these changes led to moral decline and social instability. They sought to restore traditional values and reduce government intervention in people's lives, promoting personal responsibility and free market principles.
• Discuss the impact of Ronald Reagan on the American conservative movement and its policies.
  • Ronald Reagan significantly impacted the American conservative movement by promoting key policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong national defense. His charismatic leadership reinvigorated the Republican Party and shifted the political landscape toward conservatism. Reagan's administration also emphasized the importance of individual freedom over government control, reshaping public discourse around economic policy and social issues for decades.
• Evaluate how conservatism's emphasis on tradition and individual responsibility has influenced American politics since the Reagan Revolution.
  • Since the Reagan Revolution, conservatism's emphasis on tradition and individual responsibility has profoundly influenced American politics by shaping debates around social issues, economic policies, and government intervention. This ideology has led to persistent advocacy for limited government roles in economic affairs, efforts to rollback welfare programs, and a focus on family values in legislation. Moreover, conservatism's roots in traditional beliefs have fostered a political environment where issues like education reform and healthcare are often discussed through a lens of personal accountability rather than collective responsibility.

Related terms

Neoconservatism: A political movement that emerged in the 1970s advocating for the promotion of democracy and American national interests abroad, often through military intervention.

Fiscal Conservatism: An economic philosophy that advocates for reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and maintaining balanced budgets to promote economic growth.

Social Conservatism: A political ideology that promotes traditional values regarding family structure and social issues, often opposing abortion and advocating for religious influences in public life.