World War One had a devastating, cataclysmic impact on the world and the British people. Despite economic and technological changes, the British peoplemanaged to cling onto their usual ways of life as much as possible in this new world.
Before 1966, the idea of Reagan in politics provoked widespread scorn. To most people, he seemed a has-been actor, a right-wing extremist and a 'dunce'. Journalists therefore ridiculed his aspirations to be governor of California. No one, however, doubted his incredible ability to communicate with a crowd. In order to succeed in his campaign, Reagan had to be packaged as an outsider - an antidote to politics as usual. A highly sophisticated team of marketers and ad-men turned the scary right-winger into a harmless moderate who could attract supporters from across the political spectrum. Researchers meanwhile provided the coaching that allowed Reagan to seem well-informed - all of which led to Reagan winning the California governorship by a landslide. Gerard DeGroot here explores how, in the decade of consumerism, Reagan was marketed as a product. While there is no doubting his natural abilities as a campaigner, Reagan won in 1966 because his team of advisers understood how to sell their candidate, and he, wisely, allowed himself to be sold. Selling Ronald Reagan tells the story of Reagan's first election, when the nature of campaigning was forever altered and a titan of modern American history emerged.
Exploring the often-overlooked complexities of the 1970s, this book offers a comprehensive look at a decade marked by cultural shifts and societal changes. Building on the insights from its predecessor, it delves into the political, social, and artistic movements that defined the era, presenting a nuanced perspective on its legacy. Through a blend of analysis and narrative, it seeks to honor the decade's contributions to contemporary culture and history.