Opposition from the conservative right
7.3 The New Deal
The Progressive Era in the United States
A Level/AS Level/O Level
History Notes
Your Burning Questions Answered!
To what extent did the conservative right effectively oppose the progressive reforms of the Progressive Era?
Analyze the role of the Republican Party in shaping the political landscape of the Progressive Era.
Discuss the impact of the New Deal on the relationship between the federal government and the American people.
Evaluate the long-term effects of the New Deal in shaping the American political and economic landscape.
Compare and contrast the different approaches of the conservative right and the progressives to addressing the social and economic challenges of the Progressive Era.
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Opposition from the conservative right
Opposition from the Conservative Right: A History of Pushback
1. What is the Conservative Right?
The conservative right is a political ideology that emphasizes traditional values, limited government, individual responsibility, and free markets. Often associated with the Republican Party in the United States, the conservative right views change with suspicion and prioritizes stability and order over radical shifts.
2. Key Issues the Conservative Right Opposes:
⭐Social Liberalism: The conservative right often opposes social liberal policies such as same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and drug legalization, arguing they threaten traditional family structures and moral values.
⭐Government Expansion: They advocate for limited government intervention in the economy and personal lives, opposing policies like social welfare programs, environmental regulations, and gun control, which they view as government overreach.
⭐Cultural Change: The conservative right frequently expresses concern about cultural changes they perceive as threats to traditional values, such as multiculturalism, secularism, and the decline of religious influence in public life.
3. Historical Examples of Conservative Right Opposition:
⭐The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s): Many conservative whites opposed the Civil Rights Movement, arguing it would jeopardize traditional racial hierarchies and social order. They supported segregation, opposed desegregation efforts, and often resorted to violence and intimidation against civil rights activists.
⭐The Women's Rights Movement (1960s-1970s): The conservative right often opposed the Women's Rights Movement, viewing it as a threat to traditional gender roles and family structures. They opposed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and fought against legal changes that gave women greater autonomy over their bodies and lives.
⭐The LGBT Rights Movement (1980s-Present): The conservative right has consistently opposed the LGBT Rights Movement, arguing that same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ+ rights threaten the traditional definition of marriage and family.
⭐The Environmental Movement (1970s-Present): While some conservative voices support environmental protection, many oppose government regulations aimed at protecting the environment, arguing they stifle economic growth and individual freedom.
4. Modern Conservative Right Opposition:
⭐Immigration Reform: Many conservative voices oppose comprehensive immigration reform, arguing it will lead to increased crime and burden the social safety net. They advocate for stricter border security and limits on legal immigration.
⭐Healthcare Reform: The conservative right generally opposes government-run healthcare systems, advocating for free-market solutions to healthcare issues. They often oppose policies like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), arguing it represents government overreach.
⭐Gun Control: The conservative right generally opposes gun control measures, arguing they infringe on the Second Amendment right to bear arms and are ineffective in reducing crime. They advocate for minimal restrictions and emphasize individual ownership as a deterrent to crime.
5. Understanding the Opposition:
It's crucial to understand the motivations and arguments of the conservative right, even when you disagree with their positions. By engaging in respectful dialogue and understanding their concerns, you can create a more nuanced and productive conversation about important social and political issues.
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