The Moral Majority was a prominent American political organization that played a significant role in the religious right's mobilization within American politics, particularly during the 1980s. Its history is closely tied to the broader narrative of evangelical and conservative politics in the United States. ### Founding and Background - **Formation (1979)**: The Moral Majority was founded in 1979 by [[Jerry Falwell]], a Baptist minister and televangelist. The organization arose in response to what its founders perceived as the moral decline of the nation, particularly in the wake of the 1960s and 1970s cultural changes. It was part of a broader movement among conservative Christian groups to influence public policy. ### Key Issues and Actions - **Focus on Social Issues**: The Moral Majority focused on a range of social and moral issues, including opposition to abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, gay rights, and the perceived spread of secularism in public schools. - **Political Mobilization**: One of the primary objectives was to mobilize conservative Christians as a significant political force. This involved voter registration drives, endorsing candidates who aligned with their moral and political views, and encouraging Christians to run for public office. - **Influence in the 1980 Election**: The organization is credited with playing a significant role in the election of [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1980, marking a major shift in American politics and a greater alignment of evangelical Christians with the Republican Party. ### Leadership and Structure - **Jerry Falwell**: As the founder, Falwell was the most prominent leader and became a national figure representing conservative Christian values. - **Broad Coalition**: The Moral Majority represented a coalition of conservative Christians, including evangelicals, fundamentalists, and even some Catholics and Jews who shared similar values. ### Criticism and Challenges - **Controversy and Opposition**: The Moral Majority faced criticism and opposition from various groups, including those who advocated for separation of church and state, feminists, and LGBTQ rights activists. - **Internal Challenges**: The organization struggled with internal dynamics, including leadership disputes and challenges in maintaining a broad coalition of support. ### Decline and Legacy - **Dissolution (1989)**: The Moral Majority officially disbanded in 1989. Falwell cited the organization's success in achieving its goals as the reason for its dissolution, though others pointed to declining support and effectiveness. - **Lasting Impact**: Despite its dissolution, the Moral Majority left a lasting impact on American politics. It signaled the rise of the religious right as a significant force in the Republican Party and shaped the political discourse around social and moral issues for decades. The legacy of the Moral Majority is a complex one. It is credited with bringing millions of conservative Christians into the political process, thereby altering the landscape of American politics, particularly within the Republican Party. However, it also contributed to increased polarization around social issues, and its methods and rhetoric continue to be a subject of debate and analysis.