Rise of the Religious Right: 1980s Consequences
TITLE
Assess the consequences in the 1980s of the rise of the religious right.
ESSAY
Title: The Consequences of the Rise of the Religious Right in the 1980s
Introduction:
The rise of the religious right in the 1980s was a response to perceived threats to traditional values, and it brought about significant consequences in political, social, and cultural spheres. Originating from post-war fears of Communism and social change, the movement gained momentum under influential figures such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. This essay will assess the consequences of the rise of the religious right in the 1980s, including its impact on politics, social issues, and cultural divisions within the United States.
Body:
1. Political Consequences:
The religious right's emergence in the 1980s had profound political implications. Its leaders, such as Falwell and Robertson, exerted influence by mobilizing their followers to support conservative causes. They played a crucial role in endorsing Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign, providing enthusiastic backing through their vast network of followers. The religious right's opposition to the Democrats' liberal agendas, even when economic policies aligned with conservative values, shaped the political landscape of the 1980s. This support gave Reagan's administration the backing it needed to advance its conservative agenda.
2. Social Consequences:
The religious right in the 1980s provoked opposition to social changes that they believed undermined traditional values. They opposed rising divorce rates, perceived threats to family values, gay rights movements, and abortion rights, symbolized by the Roe v Wade decision. These positions fueled a revival of puritanical attitudes, particularly in the Bible Belt region, leading to cultural and social divisions within the United States. The religious right not only challenged the progressive gains of the civil rights movement and the women's liberation movement but also contributed to a generational and cultural divide within the nation.
3. Increase in Church Attendance and Religious Influence:
Another significant consequence of the rise of the religious right was a revival of church attendance and an overall increase in the influence of religion in politics. Through their organized efforts, the religious right mobilized their followers, leading to heightened participation in religious activities. This bolstered the moral and religious voice within politics and policy-making processes, setting the stage for future conservative movements.
4. Cultural Divisions:
The rise of the religious right further polarized the United States, creating a "culture war" between reactionary and modernizing elements. The religious right sought to maintain traditional values and resisted social changes that challenged those values. This cultural conflict highlighted the divide between rural and urban America, as well as generational differences in attitudes toward social issues. The cultural divisions exacerbated by the religious right's rise continue to influence American society today.
Conclusion:
The rise of the religious right in the 1980s had far-reaching consequences across various aspects of American society. Politically, it significantly influenced the conservative agenda and played a crucial role in supporting Reagan's presidency. Socially, it fueled opposition to social changes and contributed to a revival of puritan attitudes. The increase in church attendance and the growing influence of religion in politics were additional tangible outcomes. Furthermore, the rise of the religious right deepened cultural divisions in the United States, leading to a "culture war" between traditional and progressive elements. The consequences of the religious right's rise in the 1980s continue to shape American society and politics in the present day.
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HISTORY
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A Level
NOTES
Assess the consequences in the 1980s of the rise of the religious right. Indicative content The Christian Right had its origins in post-war fears of Communism and social change. Civil rights conflicts, Vietnam protests, the alternative youth culture, the women's liberation movement, the sexual revolution seemed to threaten traditional values. Supreme Court judgements such as Roe v Wade suggested that Christian fundamentalism needed political representation, The movement was led by some key figures – Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson. Originating with protestant fundamentalism, the wider ‘Christian Right’ attracted social conservative from other denominations. The world view of moral absolutes, the role of government to promote virtue, not interfere in economic activity had political implications. It led many to articulate opposition to government regulation and the toleration of dissent or unwelcome changes such as the Equal Rights Amendment. The political consequences may be seen in terms of the backing given to Reagan’s campaign and opposition to the relatively liberal agendas of the Democrats in the 1980s even when they adapted their economic policies to a less interventionist approach. In social terms the religious right were influential in provoking opposition to rising divorce and the supposed threat to family values, to the rise of gay rights movements and opposition to abortion and Roe v Wade and to feminism. The consequences could be seen in terms of a revival of puritan attitudes and a growing reaction in the south-east and south central ‘Bible Belt’. The rise in church attendance and the increased influence of religion in politics could be a major consequence as could the rise of influential figures like Phyllis Schlaffy and a gulf between urban and rural USA and a generational gulf and a ‘culture war’ between reactionary and modernising elements which polarised the US.