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A '''conservative''' promotes [[moral]] and [[economic]] values beneficial to all. A desire to help others voluntarily, without compulsion, is a goal: "political conservatives are significantly more [[charity|charitable]] than [[liberals]]." <ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049089X21000752</ref> A conservative is often willing to learn and advocate the insights of the [[Bible]], and favors conserving value by not giving wasteful handouts to those who do not need them.  Conservatives are innovative, such as [[Romanticism]] and [[supply-side economics]]. '''''Conservative reasoning and values help overcome personal [[addiction]]s - for yourself, your family, your friends, and your neighbors'''''.

A '''conservative''' promotes [[moral]] and [[economic]] values beneficial to all. A desire to help others voluntarily, without compulsion, is a goal: "political conservatives are significantly more [[charity|charitable]] than [[liberals]]." <ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049089X21000752</ref> A conservative is often willing to learn and advocate the insights of the [[Bible]], and favors conserving value by not giving wasteful handouts to those who do not need them.  Conservatives are innovative, such as [[Romanticism]] and [[supply-side economics]]. '''''Conservative reasoning and values help overcome personal [[addiction]]s - for yourself, your family, your friends, and your neighbors'''''.

A conservative typically adheres to principles of personal [[responsibility]], moral values, and [[limited government]], agreeing with [[George Washington]]'s [[Farewell Address]] that "[[religion]] and [[morality]] are indispensable supports" to political prosperity .<ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm United States Department of State] George Washington, farewell address, 1796</ref> <ref>[[Merriam-Webster]]'s Online Dictionary has the following definition of conservative: "tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/conservative]  Therefore, a conservative Christian would be one that tends to adhere to the morally sound doctrines of the early Christianity and [[Judeo-Christian]] values.</ref>  '''''Conservatives adopt principles that help themselves and others in healthy ways, including self-improvement'''''.

A conservative typically adheres to principles of personal [[responsibility]], moral values, and [[limited government]], agreeing with [[George Washington]]'s [[Farewell Address]] that "[[religion]] and [[morality]] are indispensable supports" to political prosperity.<ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm United States Department of State] George Washington, farewell address, 1796</ref> <ref>[[Merriam-Webster]]'s Online Dictionary has the following definition of conservative: "tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions: TRADITIONAL"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/conservative]  Therefore, a conservative Christian would tend to adhere to the morally sound doctrines of the early Christianity and [[Judeo-Christian]] values.</ref>  '''''Conservatives adopt principles that help themselves and others in healthy ways, including self-improvement'''''.

[[Conservative populism]] and [[Religious conservatism and politics|religious conservatism]] promote [[social conservatism]].  '''''Conservatives reject [[political correctness]], [[liberal logic]], and [[liberal denial]]'''''.

[[Conservative populism]] and [[Religious conservatism and politics|religious conservatism]] promote [[social conservatism]].  '''''Conservatives reject [[political correctness]], [[liberal logic]], and [[liberal denial]]'''''.

===Presidents===

===Presidents===

Periodically a conservative has been elected [[President of the United States of America|President of the United States]].  The most prominent conservative presidents include:

Periodically, a conservative has been elected [[President of the United States of America|President of the United States]].  The most prominent conservative presidents include:

*[[George Washington]] (1789–1797)

*[[George Washington]] (1789–1797)

*[[James Monroe]] (1817–1825)

*[[James Monroe]] (1817–1825)

*attend a religious service during the past week (62% vs. 35%)

*attend a religious service during the past week (62% vs. 35%)

*[[pray]] to God, other than at a religious service, during the past week (91% vs. 76%)

*[[pray]] to God, other than at a religious service, during the past week (91% vs. 76%)

*share their religious beliefs with others, during the past year (56% vs. 39%, among the born again Christians interviewed from each segment)

*share their religious beliefs with others during the past year (56% vs. 39%, among the born again Christians interviewed from each segment)

*have ever participated in a short-term missions trip, either within the U.S. or in another country (12% vs. 6%)

*have ever participated in a short-term missions trip, either within the U.S. or in another country (12% vs. 6%)

=== Founding Fathers ===

=== Founding Fathers ===

The [[Founding Fathers]] created the single most important set of political ideas in American history, known as [[Republicanism]], which all groups, liberal and conservative alike, have drawn from. Two parties were named "Republican"—the one founded in 1794 by [[Thomas Jefferson]] and [[James Madison]] (it disappeared in the 1820s), and the modern GOP founded in 1854.During the [[First Party System]] (1790s–1820s) the [[Federalist Party]], led by [[Alexander Hamilton]], developed an important variation of republicanism that can be considered conservative. Rejecting [[monarchy]] and [[aristocracy]], they emphasized civic virtue as the core American value. The Federalists spoke for the propertied interests and the upper classes of the cities. They envisioned a modernizing land of banks and factories, with a strong army and navy. [[George Washington]] was their great hero.

The [[Founding Fathers]] created the single most important set of political ideas in American history, known as [[Republicanism]], which all groups, liberal and conservative alike, have drawn from. Two parties were named "Republican"—the one founded in 1794 by [[Thomas Jefferson]] and [[James Madison]] (it disappeared in the 1820s), and the modern GOP founded in 1854. During the [[First Party System]] (1790s–1820s) the [[Federalist Party]], led by [[Alexander Hamilton]], developed an important variation of republicanism that can be considered conservative. Rejecting [[monarchy]] and [[aristocracy]], they emphasized civic virtue as the core American value. The Federalists spoke for the propertied interests and the upper classes of the cities. They envisioned a modernizing land of banks and factories, with a strong army and navy. [[George Washington]] was their great hero.

On many issues, American conservatism also derives from the republicanism of [[Thomas Jefferson]] and his followers, especially [[John Randolph of Roanoke]] and his "Old Republicans" or "[[Quids]]." They idealized the [[yeoman]] farmer as the epitome of civic virtue, and warned that banking and industry led to [[corruption]], that is to the illegitimate use of government power for private ends. Jefferson himself was a vehement opponent of what today is called [[judicial activism]].

On many issues, American conservatism also derives from the republicanism of [[Thomas Jefferson]] and his followers, especially [[John Randolph of Roanoke]] and his "Old Republicans" or "[[Quids]]." They idealized the [[yeoman]] farmer as the epitome of civic virtue, and warned that banking and industry led to [[corruption]], that is to the illegitimate use of government power for private ends. Jefferson himself was a vehement opponent of what today is called [[judicial activism]].

===Ante-Bellum: Calhoun and Webster===

===Ante-Bellum: Calhoun and Webster===

During the [[Second Party System]] (1830–54) the [[Whig Party]] attracted most conservatives, such as [[Daniel Webster]] of New England. [[Daniel Webster]] and other leaders of the [[Whig Party]] called it the conservative party in the late 1830s .<ref>The word was originally used in the [[French Revolution]]. The British used it after 1839 to describe a major party. The first American usage is by Whigs who called themselves "Conservatives" in the late 1830s. Hans Sperber and Travis Trittschuh, ''American Political terms: An Historical Dictionary'' (1962) 94-97.</ref> [[John C. Calhoun]], a Democrat, articulated a sophisticated conservatism in his writings. [[Richard Hofstadter]] (1948) called him "The [[Karl Marx|Marx]] of the Master Class." Calhoun argued that a conservative minority should be able to limit the power of a "majority dictatorship" because tradition represents the wisdom of past generations. (This argument echoes one made by [[Edmund Burke]], the founder of British conservatism, in ''Reflections on the Revolution in France'' (1790)). Calhoun is considered the father of the idea of minority rights, a position adopted by liberals in the 1960s in dealing with [[Civil Rights]].

During the [[Second Party System]] (1830–54), the [[Whig Party]] attracted most conservatives, such as [[Daniel Webster]] of New England. [[Daniel Webster]] and other leaders of the [[Whig Party]] called it the conservative party in the late 1830s .<ref>The word was originally used in the [[French Revolution]]. The British used it after 1839 to describe a major party. The first American usage is by Whigs who called themselves "Conservatives" in the late 1830s. Hans Sperber and Travis Trittschuh, ''American Political Terms: An Historical Dictionary'' (1962) 94-97.</ref> [[John C. Calhoun]], a Democrat, articulated a sophisticated conservatism in his writings. [[Richard Hofstadter]] (1948) called him "The [[Karl Marx|Marx]] of the Master Class." Calhoun argued that a conservative minority should be able to limit the power of a "majority dictatorship" because tradition represents the wisdom of past generations. (This argument echoes one made by [[Edmund Burke]], the founder of British conservatism, in ''Reflections on the Revolution in France'' (1790)). Calhoun is considered the father of the idea of minority rights, a position adopted by liberals in the 1960s in dealing with [[Civil Rights]].

The conservatism of the antebellum period is contested territory; conservatives of the 21st century disagree over what comprises their heritage. Thus [[William J. Bennett]] (2006), a prominent neoconservative leader, warns conservatives to not honor Calhoun, [[Know nothing party|Know-Nothings]], [[Copperheads (politics)|Copperheads]] and 20th century [[isolationist]]s. Other conservatives disagree with Bennett.

The conservatism of the antebellum period is contested territory; conservatives of the 21st century disagree over what comprises their heritage. Thus [[William J. Bennett]] (2006), a prominent neoconservative leader, warns conservatives not to honor Calhoun, [[Know nothing party|Know-Nothings]], [[Copperheads (politics)|Copperheads]] and 20th-century [[isolationist]]s. Other conservatives disagree with Bennett.

===Lincoln to Cleveland===

===Lincoln to Cleveland===

Since 1865 the [[Republican Party]] has identified itself with President [[Abraham Lincoln]], who was the ideological heir of the [[Whig Party|Whigs]] and of both [[Thomas Jefferson|Jefferson]] and [[Alexander Hamilton|Hamilton]]. As the [[Gettysburg Address]] shows, Lincoln cast himself as a second Jefferson bringing a second birth of freedom to the nation that had been born 86 years before in Jefferson's [[Declaration of Independence|Declaration]]. The [[Copperheads (politics)|Copperheads]] of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] reflected a [[reactionary]] opposition to modernity of the sort repudiated by modern conservatives. A few libertarians have adopted a neo-Copperhead position, arguing Lincoln was a dictator who created an all-powerful government.

Since 1865 the [[Republican Party]] has identified itself with President [[Abraham Lincoln]], who was the ideological heir of the [[Whig Party|Whigs]] and of both [[Thomas Jefferson|Jefferson]] and [[Alexander Hamilton|Hamilton]]. As the [[Gettysburg Address]] shows, Lincoln cast himself as a second Jefferson bringing a second birth of freedom to the nation that had been born 86 years before in Jefferson's [[Declaration of Independence|Declaration]]. The [[Copperheads (politics)|Copperheads]] of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] reflected a [[reactionary]] opposition to modernity of the sort repudiated by modern conservatives. A few libertarians have adopted a neo-Copperhead position, arguing Lincoln was a dictator who created an all-powerful government.

In the late 19th century the [[Bourbon Democrat]]s, led by President [[Grover Cleveland]], preached against corruption, high taxes (protective [[tariff]]s), and [[imperialism]], and supported the [[gold standard]] and business interests. They were overthrown by [[William Jennings Bryan]] in 1896, who moved the mainstream of the Democrat Party permanently to the left.

In the late 19th century, the [[Bourbon Democrat]]s, led by President [[Grover Cleveland]], preached against corruption, high taxes (protective [[tariff]]s), and [[imperialism]], and supported the [[gold standard]] and business interests. They were overthrown by [[William Jennings Bryan]] in 1896, who moved the mainstream of the Democrat Party permanently to the left.

The 1896 presidential election was the first with a conservative versus liberal theme in the way in which these terms are now understood. Republican [[William McKinley]] won using the pro-business slogan "[[sound money]] and protection," while Bryan's anti-bank populism had a lasting effect on economic policies of the Democrat Party.

The 1896 presidential election was the first with a conservative versus liberal theme in the way in which these terms are now understood. Republican [[William McKinley]] won using the pro-business slogan "[[sound money]] and protection," while Bryan's anti-bank populism had a lasting effect on economic policies of the Democrat Party.

[[William Graham Sumner]], [[Yale University|Yale]] professor (1872–1910) and polymath, vigorously promoted a libertarian conservative ethic. After dallying with [[Social Darwinism]] under the influence of [[Herbert Spencer]], he rejected [[evolution]] in his later works, and strongly opposed imperialism. He opposed monopoly and [[paternalism]] in theory as a threat to equality, democracy and middle class values, but was vague on what to do about it .<ref>Curtis, Bruce. "William Graham Sumner 'On the Concentration of Wealth.'" Journal of American History 1969 55(4): 823-832.</ref>

[[William Graham Sumner]], [[Yale University|Yale]] professor (1872–1910) and polymath, vigorously promoted a libertarian conservative ethic. After dallying with [[Social Darwinism]] under the influence of [[Herbert Spencer]], he rejected [[evolution]] in his later works, and strongly opposed imperialism. He opposed monopoly and [[paternalism]] in theory as a threat to equality, democracy and middle-class values, but was vague on what to do about it .<ref>Curtis, Bruce. "William Graham Sumner 'On the Concentration of Wealth.'" Journal of American History 1969 55(4): 823-832.</ref>

===Early 20th century===

===Early 20th century===

The Depression brought [[liberal]]s to power under President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] (1933). Indeed, the term "liberal" now came to mean a supporter of the [[New Deal]] and Roosevelt's powerful [[New Deal Coalition]]. In 1934 [[Al Smith]] and pro-business Democrats formed the [[American Liberty League]] to fight the new liberalism, but failed to stop Roosevelt's shifting the Democrat Party to the left. In 1936 the Republicans rejected Hoover and tried the more liberal [[Alf Landon]], who carried only [[Maine]] and [[Vermont]]. When Roosevelt tried to pack the Supreme Court in 1937 the conservatives finally cooperated across party lines and defeated it with help from Vice President [[John Nance Garner]]. Roosevelt unsuccessfully tried to purge the conservative Democrats in the 1938 election. The conservatives in Congress then formed a bipartisan informal [[Conservative Coalition]] of Republicans and southern Democrats. It largely controlled Congress from 1937 to 1964. Its most prominent leaders were Senator [[Robert Taft]], a Republican of [[Ohio]], and Senator [[Richard Russell]], Democrat of [[Georgia]].

The Depression brought [[liberal]]s to power under President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] (1933). Indeed, the term "liberal" now came to mean a supporter of the [[New Deal]] and Roosevelt's powerful [[New Deal Coalition]]. In 1934 [[Al Smith]] and pro-business Democrats formed the [[American Liberty League]] to fight the new liberalism, but failed to stop Roosevelt's shifting the Democrat Party to the left. In 1936 the Republicans rejected Hoover and tried the more liberal [[Alf Landon]], who carried only [[Maine]] and [[Vermont]]. When Roosevelt tried to pack the Supreme Court in 1937 the conservatives finally cooperated across party lines and defeated it with help from Vice President [[John Nance Garner]]. Roosevelt unsuccessfully tried to purge the conservative Democrats in the 1938 election. The conservatives in Congress then formed a bipartisan informal [[Conservative Coalition]] of Republicans and southern Democrats. It largely controlled Congress from 1937 to 1964. Its most prominent leaders were Senator [[Robert Taft]], a Republican of [[Ohio]], and Senator [[Richard Russell]], Democrat of [[Georgia]].

In the United States, the [[Old Right]], also called the Old Guard, was a group of [[libertarianism|libertarian]], free-market anti-interventionists, originally associated with Midwestern Republicans and Southern Democrats. The Republicans (but not the southern Democrats) were [[isolationist]]s in 1939–41 (see [[America First]]), and later opposed [[NATO]] and U.S. military intervention in the [[Korean War]].

In the United States, the [[Old Right]], also called the Old Guard, was a group of [[libertarianism|libertarian]], free-market anti-interventionists, originally associated with Midwestern Republicans and Southern Democrats. The Republicans (but not the Southern Democrats) were [[isolationist]]s in 1939–41 (see [[America First]]), and later opposed [[NATO]] and U.S. military intervention in the [[Korean War]].

===Later 20th century: Goldwater and Buckley ===

===Later 20th century: Goldwater and Buckley ===

By 1950, [[American liberalism]] was so dominant in academia and journalism that liberal critic [[Lionel Trilling]] dismissed contemporary conservatism and anti-communism as "irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas." <ref>Lapham 2004</ref> But just as Trilling was writing, a revival was underway. In the 1950s, principles for a conservative political movement were hashed out in books like [[Russell Kirk]]'s ''The Conservative Mind'' (1953) and in the highly influential new magazine ''[[National Review]]'', founded by [[William F. Buckley]] in 1955.

By 1950, [[American liberalism]] was so dominant in academia and journalism that liberal critic [[Lionel Trilling]] dismissed contemporary conservatism and anti-communism as "irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas." <ref>Lapham 2004</ref> But just as Trilling was writing, a revival was underway. In the 1950s, principles for a conservative political movement were hashed out in books like [[Russell Kirk]]'s ''The Conservative Mind'' (1953) and in the highly influential new magazine ''[[National Review]]'', founded by [[William F. Buckley]] in 1955.

Whereas Taft's [[Old Right]] had been [[isolationist]] the new conservatism favored American intervention overseas to oppose [[Communism]]. It looked to the [[Founding Fathers]] for historical inspiration as opposed to [[John C. Calhoun|Calhoun]] and the antebellum South.The success of the [[Civil Rights movement]] came in the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the [[bi-partisan]] [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] and the [[Voting Rights Act]] of 1965. Conservatives supported all, but [[Barry Goldwater]] bucked party leadership to win a few Southern states for the first time since Reconstruction.  Until then Southern whites (both liberal and conservative) had been locked into the Democratic Party. That lock was now broken and some Southern conservatives voted for Goldwater for president in 1964.  In 1968, Southern Democrats ran their own candidate against Richard Nixon. The Southern blacks now began to vote in large numbers, and buoyed by [[Great Society]] [[entitlement]]s became Democrats, moving that party in the South to the left. In 1972, fully one-third of all Democrats joined Richard Nixon's Silent Majority coalition against the far left progressive Democrats. Democrats shifted their strategy to nominating Southerners for president, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, and Al Gore in 2000. As the South became less racist, it became more Republican. By 2000, for the first time, all Southern states had a conservative GOP and a liberal Democratic Party.  The region split in both federal and state contests.  In 2008 the [[Barack Hussein Obama|Obama]] campaign rebuilt the Clinton coalition in [[Florida]], [[Virginia]] and [[North Carolina]].  

Whereas Taft's [[Old Right]] had been [[isolationist]] the new conservatism favored American intervention overseas to oppose [[Communism]]. It looked to the [[Founding Fathers]] for historical inspiration as opposed to [[John C. Calhoun|Calhoun]] and the antebellum South. The success of the [[Civil Rights movement]] came in the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the [[bi-partisan]] [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] and the [[Voting Rights Act]] of 1965. Conservatives supported all, but [[Barry Goldwater]] bucked party leadership to win a few Southern states for the first time since Reconstruction.  Until then Southern whites (both liberal and conservative) had been locked into the Democratic Party. That lock was now broken and some Southern conservatives voted for Goldwater for president in 1964.  In 1968, Southern Democrats ran their own candidate against Richard Nixon. The Southern blacks now began to vote in large numbers, and buoyed by [[Great Society]] [[entitlement]]s became Democrats, moving that party in the South to the left. In 1972, fully one-third of all Democrats joined Richard Nixon's Silent Majority coalition against the far left progressive Democrats. Democrats shifted their strategy to nominating Southerners for president, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, and Al Gore in 2000. As the South became less racist, it became more Republican. By 2000, for the first time, all Southern states had a conservative GOP and a liberal Democratic Party.  The region split in both federal and state contests.  In 2008 the [[Barack Hussein Obama|Obama]] campaign rebuilt the Clinton coalition in [[Florida]], [[Virginia]] and [[North Carolina]].  

Goldwater, a charismatic figure whose intense opposition to all [[New Deal]] programs angered liberals, was defeated in a landslide in 1964. Goldwater faded and his supporters regrouped under new leadership, especially that of [[Ronald Reagan]] in [[California]], and regained strength nationally in the 1966 elections. Conservatives voted for [[Richard Nixon]] in 1968, who narrowly defeated the New Deal champion [[Hubert Humphrey]], and southern demagogue [[George Wallace]]. Nixon had come to terms with both the Goldwater wing of the party and the still-influential Rockefeller Republicans (Republicans from the [[Northeast]] who supported many New Deal programs).

Goldwater, a charismatic figure whose intense opposition to all [[New Deal]] programs angered liberals, was defeated in a landslide in 1964. Goldwater faded and his supporters regrouped under new leadership, especially that of [[Ronald Reagan]] in [[California]], and regained strength nationally in the 1966 elections. Conservatives voted for [[Richard Nixon]] in 1968, who narrowly defeated the New Deal champion [[Hubert Humphrey]], and southern demagogue [[George Wallace]]. Nixon had come to terms with both the Goldwater wing of the party and the still-influential Rockefeller Republicans (Republicans from the [[Northeast]] who supported many New Deal programs).

=== Conservatives in Latin America ===

=== Conservatives in Latin America ===

In the early 21st century, [[Latin America]] has been shifting to the right, ,<ref>Multiple references:

In the early 21st century, [[Latin America]] has been shifting to the right,<ref>Multiple references:

* https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/18/world/americas/chile-election-latin-america-politics.html

* https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/18/world/americas/chile-election-latin-america-politics.html

*Martel, Frances (December 25, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/25/5-major-conservative-victories-latin-america-2017/ 5 Major Conservative Victories in Latin America in 2017]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.

*Martel, Frances (December 25, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/25/5-major-conservative-victories-latin-america-2017/ 5 Major Conservative Victories in Latin America in 2017]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 28, 2018.