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The Rise of Conservatism (1968-1992)
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Nixon elected
Republican nominee and former New York City lawyer Richard Nixon wins the presidential election. Nixon’s election seemed unlikely in light of his loss of the 1960 election to John F. Kennedy and his unsuccessful run for California governor in 1962. However, President Johnson’s unpopularity with the American people, due to his persistence with the Vietnam war, turned many away from the Democratic party and almost guaranteed Nixon’s victory. -
Nixon freezes prices and wages for 90 days
When Nixon assumed office in 1969, the nation was battling heavy inflation. Despite Nixon’s efforts to balance the national budget and the Federal Reserve Board’s slow increase of interest rates, prices continued to rise. In 1971, Nixon froze prices and wages for 90 days and used that time to establish a pay board and price commission to regulate prices and wages when the freeze was lifted. These measures did not entirely stop inflation, but weakened its effects, and angered union leaders. -
Phyllis Shlafly spearheads the Equal Rights Amendment
Phyllis Schlafly argued that the ERA would subject women to the draft, deprive divorced women of alimony and child custody, and make married women responsible for 50% of household income. Schlafly’s campaign and others like it caused the ratification campaign to lose its momentum. When the final vote took place, the Amendment was three states short of ratification. -
Capital punishment is legalized after being outlawed in 1967
Due to an increase of violence and crime people wanted to restore “law and order.” Violence spread due to protests of civil rights, increase in drug use, and organized gangs. More strict officials were elected to pass tougher laws, hire more police, and build more prisons. No criminals were executed since 1967, but the increase of crime and strict punishment led to capital punishment resuming in 1976. -
California replaces its parole system with mandatory sentencing
In 1977, California passed the Determinate Sentencing Act, which eliminated the parole system, and replacing it with mandatory sentencing. By doing this, the state denied convicts the prospect of early release are required them to serve their full sentence. Following California’s actions, ten other states, including Ohio, developed and instituted similar restrictions. -
Rev. Jerry Falwell Founds the Moral Majority
Reverend Jerry Falwell, a fundamentalist television preacher, created a religious political movement to combat corruption initiated by “amoral liberals.” -
Reagan elected
Reagan ran for president in the 1980 election. He worked for conservative causes. He denounced criminals, drug addicts, and supported religion, family life, and patriotism. Religious people and conservative groups supported him. He wanted to increase spending on defense, and he promised to cut taxes. Reagan received 8 million more votes than Carter. He was inaugurated on January 20th. -
H.W. Bush Elected
George H. W. Bush, the son of a Connecticut senator, and a World War II veteran, received the Republican nomination for president and went on to defeat Democratic Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts. During his campaign, Bush emphasized his political experience as an ambassador to the UN, as director of the CIA, and Vice President, in addition to accusing Dukakis of being a liberal governor who had been soft on crime. -
Reagan Reelected
After a successful first term, incumbent president Ronald Reagan was reelected to a second term in office in a landslide victory-- winning 49 states-- over the former Vice President, liberal, anti-war, Democrat Walter Mondale. Reagan’s reelection campaign emphasized the positivity and good fortune in America since Reagan assumed office, using phrases such as “It’s Morning in America,” and “America is Back.” -
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey- Supreme court allows states to impose certain conditions before abortion can be performed
This 1992 Supreme Court ruling allowed states to impose certain conditions, such as tests of viability and waiting periods, before abortions could be performed. However, three Republican appointed judges, led the fight to prevent overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. Husband notification was discussed as a requirement for abortions, but was rejected, as it could expose married women to spousal abuse and violence.
