What was the Liberal Consensus? How did it reflect postwar assumptions about the economy, foreign relations, and America’s position in the world? How do Vietnam and the Great Society reflect the two sides of Liberal Consensus? How do the events of 1968 reflect an unraveling of the Liberal Consensus?
The Liberal Consensus refers to a political and ideological framework that dominated American politics from the end of World War II until the late 1960s. It was characterized by a broad agreement among policymakers, intellectuals, and the general public on key economic, foreign relations, and social issues.
The Liberal Consensus reflected postwar assumptions about the economy by emphasizing a mixed economy with a significant role for government intervention. It embraced the idea of Keynesian economics, which called for government spending to stimulate economic growth, maintain full employment, and protect citizens from the worst effects of economic downturns.
In terms of foreign relations, the Liberal Consensus was marked by a commitment to containing communism and promoting American influence throughout the world. This approach was evident in the establishment of international alliances like NATO and the system of international economic organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
The Liberal Consensus also reflected America's perception of its position in the world as a global superpower. It fostered a belief in American exceptionalism, the idea that the United States had a unique role to play in promoting democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity around the world.
When examining Vietnam and the Great Society, we can see how they represent the two sides of the Liberal Consensus. The Vietnam War, which lasted from the mid-1950s to 1975, was supported by many policymakers who saw it as an opportunity to contain communism and protect American interests. However, opposition to the war began to grow, driven by concerns about the morality and efficacy of the intervention. This opposition exposed a rift within the Liberal Consensus and laid bare the limits of American power and influence.
On the domestic front, the Great Society represents the other side of the Liberal Consensus. It was a set of social reforms and initiatives introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s. The Great Society included programs aimed at reducing poverty, promoting civil rights, improving healthcare, and expanding access to education. These initiatives reflected a belief in the power of government to address social inequalities and uplift disadvantaged communities.
The events of 1968, including the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, along with the tumultuous Democratic National Convention, marked a turning point in the unraveling of the Liberal Consensus. These events exposed deep divisions within American society and eroded public trust in government institutions.
The Vietnam War, in particular, fueled widespread disillusionment and anti-war sentiment, leading many to question the government's handling of both domestic and foreign affairs. The Liberal Consensus was further challenged by social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the feminist movement, which called into question the existing power structures and demanded greater equality and justice.
In summary, the Liberal Consensus embodied a set of postwar assumptions about the economy, foreign relations, and America's role in the world. The Vietnam War and the Great Society reflect the two sides of this consensus, with one representing an interventionist foreign policy and the other advocating for domestic social reforms. However, the events of 1968 revealed deep divisions and eroded public confidence in the Liberal Consensus, contributing to its unraveling.