1. America in the 1980s and 1990s (1980-1999)
Lesson 1 The Conservative Movement Surges

2. America in the 1980s and 1990s (1980-1999)
Lesson 1 The Conservative Movement Surges
Learning Objectives
Describe the differences between liberal and conservative viewpoints.
Analyze the causes behind the conservative resurgence in the early 1980s.
Explain why Ronald Reagan won the presidency in 1980.

3. America in the 1980s and 1990s (1980-1999)
Lesson 1 The Conservative Movement Surges
Key Terms
Liberals
conservatives
New Right
unfunded mandates
Moral Majority
Ronald Reagan

4. Liberals and Conservatives Diverge
Reemergence of the Republican Party
Conservativism
More traditional values / small government
Too many government regulations on businesses and environment
Too much money at social programs
Republicans choose Roland Reagan
Liberals
Larger role from the Federal Government
Social programs
Poor, unemployed, elderly
Civil Rights / Equality
Women + Minorities

5. Liberals and Conservatives Diverge
Analyze Information In the 1980s, what might a liberal have believed about government involvement in the economy?

6. The Increasing Popularity of the New Right
Republicans and Democrats become divided
New Right – new conservative agenda
Resurgence of the conservative era
Decline of the Liberalism
Vietnam War and Urban riots – many people blamed democrats/liberalism
Counterculture and Feminism (too liberal to conservatives)
Lost faith in the federal government
1970’s economic crisis, Watergate, Iran Contra, Pentagon Papers
Johnson focused on Vietnam and not the Great Society

7. The Increasing Popularity of the New Right
Criticizing Liberal Programs

8. The Increasing Popularity of the New Right
At the 1980 Republican National Convention, presidential candidate Ronald Reagan and running mate George H. W. Bush emphasized the need for tax cuts, a balanced budget, and increased defense spending.

9. The Increasing Popularity of the New Right
Analyze Data During which years did the inflation rate rise steadily?

10. A Conservative Wins the White House
The growing conservative movement swept the Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, to victory in the 1980 election. Much more charismatic and polished than Goldwater, Reagan made clear his opposition to big government, his support for a strong military, and his faith in traditional values. Just as importantly, he radiated optimism, convincing Americans that he would usher in a new era of prosperity and patriotism.

11. A Conservative Wins the White House
Ronald Reagan, shown here in a 1951 Hollywood studio shot, originally supported New Deal policies. He later became a conservative, believing that Americans should oppose the expansion of the federal government.

12. A Conservative Wins the White House
Analyze Information Some describe the 1980 presidential election as a close contest. In what way was this true? In what way was it not true?