Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus

In 1964, Barry Goldwater, a conservative Republican senator from Arizona, ran for president against incumbent Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson. Goldwater's campaign was seen as a watershed moment in American politics, and his defeat marked the end of the post-World War II consensus on domestic and foreign policy.

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

by Rick Perlstein

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

In his book, "Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus," historian Rick Perlstein provides a fascinating and meticulously researched account of Goldwater's campaign and its impact on American politics. Perlstein argues that Goldwater's campaign was a reaction to the social and economic changes that had taken place in the United States since the end of World War II.

These changes included the rise of the civil rights movement, the increasing influence of the federal government in American life, and the growing gap between rich and poor. Goldwater's campaign promised to roll back these changes and return America to a more traditional, conservative path.

Perlstein's book is full of vivid descriptions of Goldwater's campaign, from his early days as a long-shot candidate to his eventual defeat in the general election. Perlstein also provides a detailed analysis of the political forces that shaped Goldwater's campaign, including the rise of the conservative movement and the growing influence of the media.

"Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus" is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics and history. Perlstein's book is a fascinating and insightful account of a pivotal moment in American history.

Goldwater's Campaign

Goldwater's campaign was based on a platform of conservatism. He promised to reduce the size of the federal government, cut taxes, and end the war in Vietnam. He also supported the right to bear arms, school prayer, and a strong military.

Goldwater's campaign was controversial from the start. His conservative views alienated many voters, and his support for the use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam was seen as reckless by many. However, Goldwater's campaign also attracted a large following of conservative voters who were unhappy with the direction of the country.

Goldwater's campaign culminated in the Republican National Convention in San Francisco in July 1964. The convention was a chaotic affair, and Goldwater's nomination was only secured after a bitter fight with the more moderate elements of the party.

In the general election, Goldwater faced off against incumbent Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson was a popular president, and he easily defeated Goldwater in a landslide. However, Goldwater's campaign had a lasting impact on American politics.

The Impact of Goldwater's Campaign

Goldwater's campaign marked the end of the post-World War II consensus in American politics. The consensus, which had been based on a belief in the importance of government intervention in the economy and the pursuit of social justice, was shattered by Goldwater's campaign.

Goldwater's campaign also led to the rise of the conservative movement in American politics. The conservative movement, which had been growing in strength since the 1950s, was energized by Goldwater's campaign. The movement would go on to play a major role in American politics for decades to come.

Goldwater's campaign also had a lasting impact on the Republican Party. The party, which had been dominated by moderate elements for decades, became increasingly conservative in the wake of Goldwater's campaign. This shift would eventually lead to the party's embrace of Ronald Reagan and the conservative agenda he represented.

"Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus" is a fascinating and insightful account of a pivotal moment in American history. Perlstein's book is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics and history.

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

by Rick Perlstein

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