Barry Goldwater's 1964 Presidential Campaign

Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign was a major effort by the Republican Party to challenge Lyndon B. Johnson. Goldwater, a conservative senator, advocated for limited government, free markets, and a strong military. His campaign energized conservative voters but also alarmed many Americans with his outspoken opposition to civil rights legislation and willingness to use nuclear weapons in defense. Ultimately, Johnson won in a landslide, but Goldwater’s campaign signaled a shift toward modern conservatism, influencing future political discourse and the Republican Party’s direction.