Moral Majority

Definition

The Moral Majority was a prominent political movement founded in the late 1970s, primarily associated with conservative Christian values and activism aimed at influencing American politics. It emerged as a response to what many saw as a decline in traditional moral values, focusing on issues like abortion, family structure, and education, and played a significant role in mobilizing conservative voters during elections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Moral Majority was founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979 and quickly grew to become a significant force in American conservative politics.
2. This movement emphasized social issues such as opposition to abortion, gay rights, and the promotion of prayer in schools, framing these topics as central to America's moral decline.
3. In the 1980 presidential election, the Moral Majority played a crucial role in supporting Ronald Reagan, helping to solidify a coalition of religious voters within the Republican Party.
4. The organization claimed millions of members at its height and utilized grassroots organizing techniques to mobilize voters, including door-to-door canvassing and phone banks.
5. The influence of the Moral Majority began to wane in the late 1980s as new movements emerged, but its impact on the Republican Party and American conservatism remains significant.

Review Questions

• How did the Moral Majority influence the Republican Party's direction in the late 20th century?
  • The Moral Majority significantly shaped the Republican Party's direction by integrating conservative Christian values into its platform. It mobilized a previously disengaged segment of the population, encouraging evangelicals to participate in politics. This movement helped redefine the party's focus on social issues like abortion and family values, creating a strong alliance between religious groups and conservative politics that persists today.
• Analyze the strategies used by the Moral Majority to mobilize voters and how these strategies reflected broader trends in American political engagement.
  • The Moral Majority employed various strategies to mobilize voters, including grassroots organizing, direct mail campaigns, and media outreach. These methods were reflective of broader trends in American political engagement that emphasized individual participation and activism. By leveraging community networks and emphasizing moral issues, they effectively tapped into the concerns of many Americans who felt disconnected from mainstream politics. This approach not only engaged conservative voters but also set a precedent for future political movements.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Moral Majority on contemporary American politics, particularly regarding ideological divides.
  • The long-term effects of the Moral Majority on contemporary American politics are profound, contributing to deep ideological divides that define today's political landscape. Its emphasis on social conservatism has led to a solidified base within the Republican Party that prioritizes issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. This has resulted in polarization between conservative and progressive viewpoints, influencing legislative agendas and electoral strategies. The legacy of this movement can be seen in ongoing debates about morality in politics, as well as the continued mobilization of religious voters.

Related terms

Religious Right: A coalition of conservative Christian groups that advocate for policies reflecting their religious beliefs and seek to influence politics and public policy.

New Right: A political movement in the United States during the late 20th century that sought to redefine conservative ideology, emphasizing limited government and traditional values.

Christian Coalition: A political organization formed in the 1990s to mobilize evangelical Christians for political action, continuing the legacy of the Moral Majority.