Sendy Poz

Ms. Montes

APUSH P-1

22 April 2017

GPO Standard: Investigate the World

Conservatism in the U.S

Between the 1960-1989 a new conservatism rose in the United States because of different

events occurring during this period. Some of which were the economic crisis that liberal policies

worsened, the growth of activists that supported the republican party, and various U.S defeats

overseas. Conservatism was once thought as an outdated way of thinking and those who thought

like that we're seem to only prefer people on top of the social scale. Now, people were going

back to the “outdated” way of thinking to suit American affairs and ultimately the American

people.

During 1961-1988 the U.S was having an economic crisis. The inflation rate went up and

with it the unemployment rate. New ideas were being brought to fix the crisis all of them

inspired by liberal thinking. Even though they tried solutions that were being presented worsened

the the crisis. Economist Milton Friedman felt that the new reform wasn't doing any good. He

talks about how the housing program was expected to improve conditions of the poor, reduce

juvenile delinquency, and remove urban slums. Instead it augmented the problems it was

supposed to fix. Friedman feels that the ventures the government had taken failed (Document 1).

The economic crisis encouraged people to stop venturing into new ideas (liberal ideas) and

practice conservative ways of thinking. Conservatism helped them know the outcome of their

purpose rather than wonder if it would have good results or not.

 In addition, there was the growth of christian activist that supported conservative thinking

and ideals. American principles and laws were heavily influenced by the bible but throughout

time laws had changed. These new laws based themselves on “morality” and “interest” rather

than the bible and holding true to word of God. Evangelist Jerry Falwell talks about how

America lost herself in the world of new ideas. He starts talking about the new things society is

learning and developing over time. All of which don't follow God's command. He starts saying

that the bible was now being thought as another literature book and not a wholly scripture it is.

Falwell says that the young people are starting to lose respect for human life and its values

(Document 4). This loss of respect towards what the bible says reinforced theses activist to

believe that conservatism was the only way to reestablish the way to a better path following

God's command. They didn't want to be lost in a sense and conservatism gave them that

assurance they needed.

Along with worsening policies and the rise of conservatives came various U.S defeats

overseas. The U.S always experienced victory over battles and wars especially overseas. But

now, they were experiencing loss after loss and this worried the people on how new liberal ideas

were inadequate for war planning. The Republican Party Platform claimed that in order to

preserve world peace America must stay strong. They felt humiliated, insulted, and defeated for

the past four years. They believed the Carter administration refused to start a war. During his

presidential years the U.S was very reluctant to fight against any other country. This was seemed

as weakness from the Republican Party Platform. They felt this kind of weakness coming from

the U.S was an advantage to its tyrants. The U.S has always been the dominant power over other

countries but now it wouldn't go to war no matter what (Document 5). With this in mind, the new

liberal ideas were hurting American pride. This led to more people supporting conservative
ideas. The Republican Party Platform did not want America to be seen as a weak country and

ensuring their title as a dominant country in the world was crucial for them.

In conclusion conservatism rose in the Unites States because of different conflicts arising

in America. People believed that new liberal ideas were worsening problems like the

development of the housing program for the poor. They also believed that liberal ideas were not

a correct way to go because it didn't follow through with the previous establishments that were

influenced by christianity. The Republican Party also believed these new ideas were not fit and

should not intervene with political decisions such as going to war. Because some of the

Americans did not agree that new ideas should interfere with anything conservatism rose in the

Unites States.

Work Citations
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty: An American History 3rd Ed. New York, Ny: W.W. Norton &

Company, 2014. Print