The Age of Reagan. The Fall of the Old Liberal Order 1964-1980

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The Age of Reagan vividly depicts the tumultuous years leading up to Ronald Reagan's presidency. Drawing from numerous interviews and extensive research, Steven F. Hayward explores the politically divisive landscape of the U.S., likening it to the pre-Civil War era. The nation faced an unwinnable war abroad, domestic unrest, and a collapsing liberal order in Washington, burdened by a series of failed policies. Hayward notes that events like Vietnam, Watergate, and the energy crisis drained Americans' optimism for the future. Amidst this turmoil, a new conservative movement emerged, spearheaded by Reagan, whose 1964 speech supporting Barry Goldwater transformed him into a political icon. With meticulous detail, Hayward examines an America in conflict, highlighting the failures of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society, the unexpected liberalism of Richard Nixon's presidency, Reagan's impactful governorship in California, and the drama of his near-defeat of Gerald Ford in the 1976 Republican primary. He also critiques Jimmy Carter's ineffective leadership and the seismic shift of Reagan's 1980 presidential victory. Provocative and authoritative, this account captures the rebirth of the American spirit during a pivotal era.