The Rise of the New Right Movement and the Political Landscape of the Late 1970s to 1980s

The New Right Movement

The conservative movement known as the New Right emerged prominently in the late 1970s and early 1980s, achieving significant influence across various segments of American society. This grassroots movement attracted a diverse coalition of Americans, including evangelical Christians, anti-tax activists, proponents of deregulation and free markets, advocates for a robust American role in global affairs, disenchanted white liberals, and those who championed unrestrained capitalism.

Historians attribute the rapid ascent of the New Right to the demographic and socioeconomic changes that took place post-World War II, particularly the growth of the Sunbelt. This region, encompassing parts of the Southeast, Southwest, and California, experienced an influx of populations migrating from the deteriorating industrial regions of the North and Midwest. The newcomers often fled due to urban challenges such as overcrowding, crime, pollution, and rising taxes, particularly for social programs they found ineffective. As traditional liberalism fell from favor among many of these residents, the New Right presented a compelling alternative that resonated with their frustrations.

To solidify its influence, the New Right drew on the groundwork laid by Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, building a network of advocacy groups, political action committees, and think tanks throughout the 1970s. The movement was marked by its populist appeal and a strategic focus on cultural issues like abortion and educational content, as well as a rejection of détente in favor of a more confrontational foreign policy approach.

Richard Viguerie's innovations in direct mail fundraising also played a crucial role, as he developed extensive donor lists that united various factions within the New Right. Viguerie identified four essential pillars of the movement’s success: single issue groups, multi-issue groups, coalition politics, and direct mail campaigns, all of which were instrumental in creating a new conservative majority in the 1980s.

The Bicentennial Campaign of 1976

The political climate leading into the bicentennial campaign of 1976 saw the Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter square off against incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford. Carter, who had announced his candidacy in 1974, spent the ensuing years traveling the country to promote his platform, which centered on restoring values like honesty and transparency in government. This message resonated particularly with voters weary of the political fallout from the Watergate scandal.

Carter's core strategy involved presenting himself as an outsider who could cleanse Washington of its corrupt practices, largely as a reaction to the controversies surrounding Ford's presidency, including the pardon of Richard Nixon. Capitalizing on public disillusionment with established political elites, Carter secured the Democratic nomination in July 1976, alongside running mate Senator Walter Mondale of Minnesota. In the general election, Carter narrowly defeated Ford, earning 51 percent of the popular vote and 297 electoral votes, while Ford captured only 240 electoral votes. Notably, Carter's support was strong in the South, where he overwhelmingly attracted the African American vote, despite Ford gaining a slight edge among white Southerners.

Carter’s Foreign Policy: Successes and Challenges

President Carter’s foreign policy achievements included the successful negotiation of treaties with Panama, the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. The Camp David Accords, orchestrated in 1979, notably led to a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, effectively ending decades of hostilities.

Despite these significant accomplishments, Carter's foreign policy faced numerous challenges, particularly the resurgence of Cold War tensions. Détente faltered as Soviet interventions in various regions, such as Angola and Ethiopia, heightened alarm in the U.S. and derailed progress in arms control negotiations. The SALT II agreement, a follow-up to earlier arms limitation talks, encountered fierce domestic criticism and ultimately failed to gain ratification in Congress due to the international climate exacerbated by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The American Economy Under Carter

Throughout Carter's presidency, the American economy struggled under the weight of rising inflation and stagnation, a phenomenon often referred to as "stagflation." Democrats were challenged by high-interest rates and oil shocks that intensified economic woes. Carter’s administration experienced the consequences of external factors, including the oil embargo against the U.S. by OPEC, which began in 1973. This crisis dramatically altered America's balance of payments and exposed vulnerabilities within its economy, rendering prior isolationist economic policies obsolete.

The inflation rate accelerated sharply after Carter took office, exacerbating existing challenges like high unemployment. By 1979, as the Iran hostage crisis unfolded, the repercussions of reduced Iranian oil imports exacerbated inflation, leading to significant economic turmoil.

The Malaise Speech and Its Reception

On July 15, 1979, President Carter delivered what became known as the "malaise speech," addressing the nation about the simultaneous energy crisis and economic recession. He expressed not just concern over the economic factors at play, but also a perceived moral and spiritual crisis that he believed hindered the nation’s recovery. His frank acknowledgment of his administration’s struggles with leadership on significant issues like energy surprised many, particularly as conservative sentiments began to rise against his presidency, exemplified by the emerging challenge from Ronald Reagan.

Carter's speech was intended as a rallying cry for collective action but inadvertently fueled criticisms suggesting he was disconnected from the public mood. The president’s attempts to seek public input on developing a comprehensive energy agenda illustrated his democratic approach, but those efforts were overshadowed by conservative critiques and Nixon's lingering legacy.

The Rise of Neoconservatism

The backdrop of the energy crisis and economic stagnation catalyzed the emergence of a neoconservative movement during Carter’s administration. Initially composed of former liberals who were disillusioned by the events of the 1960s, neoconservatives shifted their focus toward advocating for free market capitalism while criticizing welfare programs stemming from Johnson’s Great Society. This burgeoning movement also strongly advocated traditional values and a robust anti-Soviet stance, resonating amid the climate of national discontent towards the federal government.

As neoconservative ideology gained traction, conservative activists effectively undermined labor regulations, fought against increases in the minimum wage, and channeled efforts into sweeping deregulation. The political narrative became increasingly sympathetic to free-market arguments, facilitating a large-scale rejection of government intervention and enabling the movement's ideological success at a national level.

SALT II and Its Political Fallout

The SALT II agreement, signed by Carter and Brezhnev in 1979, was a significant nuclear arms control initiative. However, it never came into effect, facing intense scrutiny and political opposition in the U.S. Many critics perceived it as a concession to the Soviets, fostering fears about national security vulnerabilities. SALT II's prospects were further jeopardized by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, which led to Carter's decision to withdraw the treaty from Senate consideration.

The Iran Hostage Crisis: Impact and Resolution Attempts

The Iranian hostage crisis began in November 1979 when Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran in response to the Shah's controversial admission to the U.S. for medical treatment. The situation quickly escalated, culminating in the detention of 66 hostages, of which 52 were held for the duration of 444 days. Carter's administration grappled with diplomatic efforts, including economic sanctions and direct talks, yet the Ayatollah's regime remained steadfast in its anti-American posture.

Carter's decision to initiate a military rescue operation, Operation Eagle Claw, ultimately ended in failure with the loss of American lives. This debacle severely tarnished Carter's reputation, projecting an image of an ineffective presidency and contributing to the rise of Ronald Reagan and a shifting conservative political landscape in the 1980 election.

The New Right and Changing Political Landscape of the Late 1970s to 1980s

The New Right and Changing Political Landscape of the Late 1970s to 1980s