M. Stanton Evans

Medford Stanton Evans (July 20, 1934 – March 3, 2015) was an American conservative journalist, author, and educator known for his role in shaping the modern conservative movement in the United States. A prominent figure in conservative media, Evans was one of the founding members of the conservative intellectual movement of the 20th century. He was particularly influential in the development of young conservative leaders through his work with organizations like the American Conservative Union and the National Journalism Center.

Early Life and Education

Evans was born in Kingsville, Texas, and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from Yale University in 1955 with a degree in English. While at Yale, Evans was influenced by conservative thinkers such as William F. Buckley Jr., who would later become a close associate.

Career in Journalism =

Evans began his journalism career as an editor at The Freeman magazine, and later as an editorial writer for The Indianapolis News. In 1960, he became the youngest editor of a major daily newspaper in the United States when he was named editor of The Indianapolis News, a position he held until 1974.

Conservative Activism

In 1960, at the age of 26, Evans drafted the Sharon Statement, a defining manifesto of conservative principles that served as the founding document of the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF). The Sharon Statement is considered one of the foundational documents of modern American conservatism, outlining principles such as individual liberty, limited government, free-market economics, and a strong national defense.

Evans was also a co-founder of the American Conservative Union (ACU), a political organization dedicated to advancing conservative causes. He served as ACU chairman from 1971 to 1977.

Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout his career, Evans was dedicated to mentoring young conservatives. He founded the National Journalism Center in 1977, which trained aspiring journalists in Washington, D.C. Many of its alumni have gone on to prominent careers in media and politics.

Books

Evans authored several influential books on politics, history, and media, including:

• Revolt on the Campus (1961)
• The Politics of Surrender (1966)
• Clear and Present Dangers: A Conservative View of America's Government (1975)
• The Theme Is Freedom: Religion, Politics, and the American Tradition (1994)
• Blacklisted by History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy and His Fight Against America's Enemies (2007)
• Stalin's Secret Agents: The Subversion of Roosevelt's Government (2012, co-authored with Herbert Romerstein)

Legacy and Influence

M. Stanton Evans was a pivotal figure in the conservative movement, known for his writings, activism, and mentorship. His work has left an enduring legacy in American conservative thought and journalism.

External Links

• Obituary of M. Stanton Evans - The New York Times
• Obituary of M. Stanton Evans - The Washington Post

References

• Evans, M. Stanton. Blacklisted by History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy and His Fight Against America's Enemies. New York: Crown Forum, 2007.
• Edwards, Lee. Bringing the Right to Life: A Historical Examination of Conservatism in America. Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, 1999.