ID: Moral Majority
When: 1979 - late 1980s
Who:
- Founder: Jerry Falwell, a televangelist and Southern Baptist pastor.
- Key Figures: Prominent conservative religious leaders, including Pat Robertson.
- Target Audience: Evangelical Christians, conservative Catholics, and other socially conservative Americans.
What:
A prominent American political organization associated with the Christian right. It advocated for conservative stances on various political issues, including:
- Opposition to abortion.
- Support for school prayer.
- Strong stance against communism and for a strong national defense.
- Traditional family values.
- Anti-ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) stance.
- Promoted the election of conservative candidates. Utilized grassroots organizing and media campaigns to influence elections and policy.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Rise of the Religious Right: The Moral Majority played a key role in the rise of the Religious Right as a powerful force in American politics.
- Increased Political Engagement of Evangelicals: Mobilized evangelical Christians into the Republican Party and the conservative movement.
- Shift in Republican Party Platform: Influenced the Republican Party platform to become more socially conservative.
- Election of Ronald Reagan: Contributed significantly to the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, marking a shift towards conservatism in American politics.
- Long-Term Impact on Culture Wars: Played a significant role in the ongoing “culture wars” in America, shaping debates on issues such as abortion, sexuality, and the role of religion in public life.
- Decline: The organization dissolved in the late 1980s, but its legacy continues to influence conservative politics and the Religious Right.