000			02066 a2200253 4500
001			1412863074
005			20250317100403.0
008			250312042016GB eng
020			_a9781412863070
037			_bTaylor & Francis _cGBP 46.99 _fBB
040			_a01
041			_aeng
072	7		_aJP _2thema
072	7		_aJP _2bic
072	7		_aPOL000000 _2bisac
072	7		_aPOL042020 _2bisac
072	7		_a320.520973 _2bisac
100	1		_aLarry M. Schwab
245	1	0	_aIllusion of a Conservative Reagan Revolution
250			_a1
260			_aOxford _bRoutledge _c20160530
300			_a260 p
520			_bThis book presents a provocative perspective on the impact of the Reagan administration. Many political commentators, both liberal and conservative, argue that the 1980s was a period of fundamental conservative change. Some of them believe the changes have been so important that the 1980s should be seen as a watershed period in American political history as significant as the 1930s. Schwab denies this thesis and points out that politics and policy did not fundamentally change in a conservative direction. Instead, he demonstrates how policy developments and the political system actually moved in the opposite direction. In the realm of public opinion, Schwab points out that sentiment tends to shift toward the left rather than the right. Support for social and environmental programs remained high and even increased during the Reagan era, whereas support for Defense programs dropped to a near-record low. Instead of a New Right conservative shift in public opinion on social issues, Americans became more liberal on women's rights, minority rights, and sexual behaviour issues. Schwab's critique extends as well to Reagan's political success and popularity. Rather than being one of the most successful presidents in leading Congress, he was one of the least successful. His conservative ideology lessened support for him among many voters and congressional liberals gained more voter support during the 1980s' elections than conservatives.
999			_c1457 _d1457