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The Late Cold War Culture in the Age of Reagan: Culture and Politics in the Cold War

Fabian Mitchell

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Published in We Begin Bombing In Five Minutes: Late Cold War Culture In The Age Of Reagan (Culture And Politics In The Cold War And Beyond)

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President Ronald Reagan Addressing Congress We Begin Bombing In Five Minutes: Late Cold War Culture In The Age Of Reagan (Culture And Politics In The Cold War And Beyond)

We Begin Bombing in Five Minutes: Late Cold War Culture in the Age of Reagan (Culture and Politics in the Cold War and Beyond)

by Frederick H. Gareau

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Late Cold War Culture in the United States, which largely overlaps with the Reagan era (1981-1989),was a period of immense cultural and political transformation. The rise of conservatism, the increasing influence of mass media, and the growing popularity of consumerism profoundly shaped American society during this time.

The Rise of Conservatism

The 1980s witnessed a resurgence of conservative ideology in the United States. Conservative politicians such as President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher spearheaded a movement that sought to reduce government spending, lower taxes, and promote traditional values.

This conservative shift had a significant impact on American culture. Hollywood films and television shows began to espouse conservative themes, such as patriotism, individualism, and the importance of family. Religious organizations gained increasing influence, and evangelical Christianity became a major force in American politics.

The Influence of Mass Media

The 1980s also saw a dramatic expansion of the role of mass media in American society. The rise of cable television, the proliferation of personal computers, and the increasing popularity of video games all contributed to a more media-saturated culture.

This media explosion had a profound impact on both culture and politics. Television shows such as "Dallas" and "Dynasty" shaped popular perceptions of wealth and success. News networks like CNN and Fox News played a major role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse.

The Growth of Consumerism

The 1980s were a period of unprecedented economic growth in the United States. This led to a surge in consumer spending, as Americans indulged in a wide range of goods and services.

The growth of consumerism had a significant impact on American culture. It fostered a sense of materialism and individualism. It also contributed to a growing gap between the rich and the poor.

The Impact of Culture on Politics

The cultural changes of the Late Cold War Culture had a significant impact on American politics.

The rise of conservatism: The conservative values espoused in popular culture reinforced the political agenda of conservative politicians.
The influence of mass media: Mass media played a major role in shaping public opinion and influencing political campaigns.
The growth of consumerism: The focus on materialism and individualism fostered a sense of self-reliance that undermined support for government programs.

The Impact of Politics on Culture

In turn, political developments had a significant impact on American culture.

The Reagan presidency: Reagan's policies and rhetoric had a profound impact on American culture. His emphasis on patriotism and individualism resonated with many Americans.
The Cold War: The ongoing conflict with the Soviet Union shaped American culture in many ways. It fostered a sense of national unity and reinforced conservative values.

The Late Cold War Culture in the United States was a period of significant cultural and political transformation. The rise of conservatism, the increasing influence of mass media, and the growth of consumerism all profoundly shaped American society during this time.

This complex tapestry of cultural and political change had a lasting impact on the United States and beyond. The legacy of the Reagan era continues to shape American society today.

References

Brinkley, Douglas. The Reagan Years: The Defining Decade of American Politics, 1981-1991. New York: HarperCollins, 2015.
Cross, Gary. An All-Consuming Century: Why Commercialism Won in Modern America. New York: Columbia University Press, 2013.
Gitlin, Todd. Inside Prime Time: The Story of American Television. New York: Pantheon Books, 2011.

We Begin Bombing in Five Minutes: Late Cold War Culture in the Age of Reagan (Culture and Politics in the Cold War and Beyond)

by Frederick H. Gareau

5 out of 5