9.1 Reagan and Conservatism

The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 marked a major turning point in U.S. political history. His victory reflected the growing power of a conservative coalition that united business leaders, suburban voters, and evangelical Christians. The movement drew energy from frustration with liberal government expansion, inflation, and social unrest. Reagan promised to restore national confidence through smaller government, lower taxes, and renewed patriotism, appealing to a nation weary of crisis and decline.