The Illusion of a Conservative Reagan Revolution

This book presents a new and provocative perspective on the debate over the impact of the Reagan administration. Many political commentators, both liberal and conservative, have argued that the 1980s have been a period of fundamental conservative change. Some of them believe that 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 have not fundamentally changed in a conservative direction. Instead, he demonstrates how policy developments and the political system have actually moved in the opposite direction.

The notion of a conservative revolution presupposes a reversal of the key elements of the New Deal-Great Society era, but Schwab demonstrates that no such reversal occurred. During the 1980s, federal government spending and the budget deficit were at the highest level in U.S. history. Most federal social programs were greatly expanded, while the growth of defense spending in the late 1980s was at one of the lowest levels in the post-World War II period. The economic role of the federal government expanded rather than contracted, and the power of the federal government increased in relation to state and local governments.

In the realm of public opinion, Schwab points out that sentiment tended to shift toward the left rather than the right. Support for social and environmental programs remained high and even increased, 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 behavior 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 man conservatives.

"The Illusion of a Conservative Reagan Revolution "is a timely and comprehensive analysis of the Reagan years. It will be of interest to political scientists, sociologists, and general readers interested in politics and national policy.