Conservatism in the United States
origin, history and development of conservatism in the United States
Conservatism in the United States consists of right-leaning and right-wing ideological traditions that have collectively rivaled the liberal and progressive U.S. political traditions. Since the early 20th century, the American conservative tradition has generally been identified with the Republican Party, as opposed to the predominantly modern liberal orientation of its rival, the Democratic Party. Traditional American conservatism is characterized by a belief in individualism, traditionalism, capitalism, republicanism, and limited federal governmental power in relation to U.S. states. However, developments since 2010 have shifted it towards right-wing populist and national-conservative themes, owing in a large part to Trumpism.
Traditionally, American conservatives receive support from the Christian right and its interpretation of Christian values and moral absolutism, while generally opposing abortion, euthanasia, and some LGBT rights. They tend to favor economic liberalism, and are generally pro-business and pro-capitalism, while more strongly opposing communism and labor unions than liberals and social democrats. The shifts since 2020 have moved it towards national conservatism, protectionism, cultural conservatism, and a more realist foreign policy.
Conservatives frequently advocate strong national defense, gun rights, capital punishment, and a defense of Western culture from possible threats posed by communism, Islamism, and moral relativism. American conservatives question epidemiology, anthropogenic climate change, and evolution more frequently than moderates or liberals.
Overview
In the United States, conservatism is often defined differently from how it is viewed and described in Europe and other regions of the world.
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