How the Rise of Conservatism Reshaped the US

CrashCourse

This episode of Crash Course US History explores the rise of the conservative movement in American politics during the 1960s and 1970s, challenging the common perception of the era as solely defined by liberal counterculture. John Green explains how the Republican Party began to gain a foothold in the traditionally Democratic South through the "Southern Strategy" and the appeal of candidates like Barry Goldwater and Richard Nixon. The video details the ideological fusion of free-market libertarians and moral conservatives who united against communism and "big government," setting the stage for the modern political landscape. Key themes include the political realignment of the Deep South following the Civil Rights Act, the significance of the 1964 and 1968 elections, and the emergence of the "Silent Majority." The video also covers the backlash against the sexual revolution and the feminist movement, specifically discussing the defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the impact of Roe v. Wade. Additionally, it examines the paradox of Richard Nixon's presidency—marked by conservative rhetoric but surprisingly liberal domestic policies like the creation of the EPA—before concluding with the Watergate scandal. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for teaching political realignment, the complexity of the Nixon administration, and the origins of the "Culture Wars." It helps students understand that historical eras are rarely monolithic; while hippies and war protestors garnered headlines, a powerful conservative undercurrent was simultaneously reshaping American politics. The content provides a nuanced look at how trust in the federal government eroded during this period, culminating in the resignation of a president.