Barry Goldwater And The Unmaking Of The American Consensus

Barry Goldwater, the Republican senator from Arizona, is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in American political history. His presidential campaign in 1964 marked a turning point for the conservative movement and set the stage for the rise of Ronald Reagan and the modern Republican Party. Goldwater's uncompromising ideology and staunch conservatism challenged the prevailing political consensus of the time, leading to a significant shift in American politics.

Goldwater's campaign for the presidency was known for its bold, conservative platform. His belief in limited government, individual liberty, and free-market capitalism resonated with a growing portion of the American population, particularly those who felt disillusioned with the expanding role of the federal government. His opposition to major social programs such as Social Security and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made him a controversial figure, but also earned him a dedicated following among conservatives.

The 1964 election was a landslide victory for Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson, but Goldwater's campaign set the stage for a conservative resurgence in American politics. His ideas and his rejection of the political establishment provided the necessary groundwork for the emergence of a new conservative movement that would ultimately reshape the American political landscape.

Before the Storm: Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus

by Rick Perlstein (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

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Goldwater's campaign also played a significant role in unmaking the American consensus that had existed since the New Deal era. The consensus was characterized by a broad agreement among Americans on the role of government in society, the need for social welfare programs, and a belief in the power of the federal government to promote social and economic equality. Goldwater's campaign challenged these notions and brought to the forefront a new set of ideas that called for limited government intervention and a return to individual responsibility.

Goldwater's influence extended far beyond his unsuccessful presidential bid. His campaign energized a generation of conservative activists and laid the groundwork for the rise of Ronald Reagan and the conservative movement of the 1980s. Reagan, who would go on to serve as the 40th President of the United States, credited Goldwater as a major source of inspiration and a guiding force in his own political career.

Goldwater's lasting impact on American politics can be seen in the shifting dynamics of the Republican Party. Prior to his campaign, the Republican Party was dominated by more moderate voices and was often seen as the party of the establishment. Goldwater's campaign galvanized the conservative base and paved the way for a more ideologically driven party that would prioritize limited government, lower taxes, and a traditional understanding of social issues.

However, it is important to note that Goldwater's political legacy is not without controversy. His opposition to civil rights legislation, while in line with his belief in limited government intervention, alienated many voters, particularly African Americans and other minority groups. This aspect of his ideology has tarnished his reputation in the eyes of many and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the conservative movement in winning broad public support.

In , Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign marked a turning point in American politics. His uncompromising conservatism challenged the prevailing political consensus of the time and set the stage for the rise of the modern conservative movement. Despite his defeat, Goldwater's ideas and political activism laid the groundwork for the conservative resurgence of the 1980s and continue to shape the Republican Party's ideology to this day. While his legacy is not without controversy, there is no denying the lasting impact he has had on American politics.

Before the Storm: Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus

by Rick Perlstein (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	3510 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	705 pages

FREE

Acclaimed historian Rick Perlstein chronicles the rise of the conservative movement in the liberal 1960s. At the heart of the story is Barry Goldwater, the renegade Republican from Arizona who loathed federal government, despised liberals, and mocked "peaceful coexistence" with the USSR. Perlstein's narrative shines a light on a whole world of conservatives and their antagonists, including William F. Buckley, Nelson Rockefeller, and Bill Moyers. Vividly written, Before the Storm is an essential book about the 1960s.