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Since America lacks an aristocracy or an established church, the tradition that American conservatives defend is not simple to define. Schneider identifies American conservatism with support of republicanism, "the rule of law and the Christian religion," and a defense of "Western civilization from the challenges of modernist culture and totalitarian governments."<ref name="Schneider" />

Since America lacks an aristocracy or an established church, the tradition that American conservatives defend is not simple to define. Schneider identifies American conservatism with support of republicanism, "the rule of law and the Christian religion," and a defense of "Western civilization from the challenges of modernist culture and totalitarian governments."<ref name="Schneider" />

Burke was read by the first generation of American conservatives, including [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[John Adams]], and [[John Randolph]]. Historian [[Russell Kirk]] identifies the Citizen Genêt affair of 1793 as the first occasion when American liberals and conservatives squared off. In the election of 1800, Republican [[Thomas Jefferson]] and Federalist John Adams clashed over policy toward France, taxes, state's rights, and other issues. This type of intensely ideological politicking dissipated with the end of the French Revolution.

Burke was read by the first generation of American conservatives, including [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[John Adams]], and [[John Randolph]]. Historian [[Russell Kirk]] identifies the Citizen Genêt affair of 1793 as the first occasion when American liberals and conservatives squared off. In the election of 1800, Republican [[Thomas Jefferson]] and Federalist John Adams clashed over policy toward France, taxes, state's rights, and other issues. This type of intensely ideological politicking dissipated with the end of the French Revolution. The Federalist Party dissolved in 1816. At the same time, the Republican Party adopted many of its positions regarding tariffs, a national bank, and other issues.

The American Whigs of 1830s and 1840s identified as conservative. In practice, the political positions of the party's state organizations varied widely. It's nominees for president were non-ideological war heroes.

The American Whigs of 1830s and 1840s identified as conservative. In practice, the political positions of the party's state organizations varied widely. It's nominees for president were non-ideological war heroes.