Conservatism grew as a response to liberal policies

Focused on free markets, limited government, and anti-communism

Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign inspired future conservative leaders

Gave a nationally televised speech for Goldwater

Launched Reagan's political career

Praised individual freedom and small government

Cut welfare spending and pushed tax reform

Sent national guard to control student protests

Became a national figure for conservative values

Evangelicals, business leaders, and anti-tax groups united

Pushed back against the New Deal and Great Society programs

Blamed liberal policies for economic and moral decline

Beat Jimmy Carter with a landslide win

Promised to restore American strength and pride

Backed by conservatives fed up with inflation and global weakness

Cut taxes, especially for the wealthy

Reduced government regulations

Believed in "trickle-down" economics to grow the economy

Massive defense spending increased national debt

Called the USSR the "Evil Empire"

Pushed for peace through strength

Promoted traditional family values

Opposed abortion and supported prayer in schools

Religious conservatives gained political power

Inspired a new generation of Republicans

Shifted political debate to the right

Made limited government a central GOP theme

Influenced future leaders like George W. Bush and Donald Trump

Sparked debates over inequality and government role

Reagan remains a conservative icon to this day