Born January 1, 1909
Phoenix, Arizona

Died May 29, 1998
Paradise Valley, Arizona

Republican politician and
presidential candidate

Barry Goldwater. Photo courtesy of The Library of Congress.

Barry Goldwater's campaign for the presidency in 1964 represented an important change in American politics. Goldwater drew national attention to a debate over the role of the federal government. In basic terms, the debate was over the extent to which the federal government should involve itself in solving social problems such as poverty and racism. Although Goldwater lost the presidential election to Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973; served 1963–69; see entry), his candidacy marked the beginning of the conservative movement in America. The movement rallied people behind political ideals that went by the labels "individual freedom," "self-reliance," and "decentralized government." Nicknamed "Mr. Conservative" for his leading role in the conservative movement, Goldwater had a fiery personality and striking good looks. He was able to use his presidential...