Moral Majority

Definition

The Moral Majority was a significant political organization founded in the late 1970s that sought to promote conservative Christian values in American politics. It played a crucial role in mobilizing evangelical Christians to participate in the political process, particularly during the 1980 presidential election, advocating for issues such as opposition to abortion, prayer in schools, and traditional family values. The group's influence marked a pivotal shift in the intersection of religion and politics in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Moral Majority was founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979, aiming to unite conservative Christians to influence American politics.
2. The organization gained significant traction during the 1980 presidential election, supporting Ronald Reagan's campaign and helping him secure victory.
3. The Moral Majority emphasized issues such as opposition to abortion, the promotion of traditional family structures, and the inclusion of prayer in public schools.
4. At its peak, the Moral Majority claimed to have millions of members and played a key role in mobilizing grassroots activism among evangelical voters.
5. The group's influence began to decline in the late 1980s as scandals emerged and new conservative organizations took prominence in American politics.

Review Questions

• How did the Moral Majority impact voter mobilization among evangelical Christians during the late 20th century?
  • The Moral Majority significantly impacted voter mobilization by organizing evangelical Christians into a cohesive political force. Through grassroots efforts, they encouraged participation in elections, particularly focusing on key social issues like abortion and education. By framing these issues within a moral context, they successfully motivated many evangelical voters to engage politically and align with conservative candidates.
• Analyze the key issues promoted by the Moral Majority and how they reflected broader societal concerns during its peak.
  • The key issues promoted by the Moral Majority included opposition to abortion, support for prayer in schools, and advocacy for traditional family values. These issues reflected broader societal concerns about moral decay and cultural shifts occurring in America during the late 20th century. By addressing these topics, the Moral Majority tapped into fears among many conservative Christians about losing their influence in a rapidly changing society.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Moral Majority on contemporary American politics and its legacy in shaping modern conservatism.
  • The long-term effects of the Moral Majority on contemporary American politics include solidifying the relationship between evangelicalism and the Republican Party. Its legacy is evident in how religious issues continue to dominate conservative platforms today. The groundwork laid by the Moral Majority helped establish a politically active religious base that influences various aspects of policy-making, showcasing an enduring connection between faith and politics that remains relevant in modern conservatism.

Related terms

Religious Right: A political movement made up of conservative Christian groups that emerged in the late 20th century, advocating for socially conservative policies and political candidates.

Evangelicalism: A trans-denominational movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, personal conversion experiences, and active faith in public life.

Theocracy: A system of government in which religious leaders control political power, often based on religious laws and principles.