Which key political and cultural changes introduced in the 1960s were the most threatening to the conservatives (in the 1970s)?

Obviously, the most threatening to the conservatives were political and cultural changes capable to shake the very foundations of American society. First of all should be named newly acquired political rights of non white Americans, this important step towards complete elimination of racism and segregation considerably reduced the possibility of intensive exploitation and unfair treatment of non white minorities. The principle of white supremacy cherished by the conservatives was seriously undermined.

Sexual revolution initiated by baby boomers was another important menace for traditional moral values. After the risk of unwanted pregnancy was eliminated by improved contraception sexual relations became a kind of distraction not related with creation of a family. Women felt now absolutely free in selection of temporary partners and were in no harry to become mothers. This new independence of the fair sex responsible for demographic growth frightened the conservatives accustomed to traditional family values.

The majority of the rebellious youth of the 1960s refused to recognise the authority of their elders and to follow their instructions. This disobedience and rejection of traditional hierarchy represented real danger for public law and order. Many baby boomers were in opposition not only to their parents’ bourgeois life style and consumerism but to capitalism and American imperialism. These anti capitalist and anti-American feelings were potentially dangerous for the entire US establishment.

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