The Conservative Movement (1955-Present)

The Modern Conservative Movement emerged in the 1950s as an intellectual and political response to New Deal liberalism, eventually transforming the Republican Party and American politics. It combined traditional conservatism, libertarian economics, and anti-communism into a powerful political force.

Key Organizations

Think Tanks

  • Heritage Foundation (1973)
  • American Enterprise Institute
  • Cato Institute
  • Hoover Institution

Grassroots Organizations

  • Young Americans for Freedom
  • Christian Coalition
  • National Rifle Association
  • Eagle Forum

Media Organizations

  • National Review
  • Fox News
  • Talk Radio Networks
  • Conservative Web Media

Key Figures

Intellectual Leaders

  • William F. Buckley Jr.
  • Russell Kirk
  • Milton Friedman
  • Friedrich Hayek

Political Leaders

  • Barry Goldwater
  • Ronald Reagan
  • Newt Gingrich
  • William F. Buckley Jr.

Core Principles

Economic Conservatism

  • Free market capitalism
  • Lower taxes
  • Deregulation
  • Limited government

Social Conservatism

  • Traditional values
  • Religious freedom
  • Pro-life stance
  • Strong national defense

Major Developments

1955

National Review founded

1964

Goldwater presidential campaign

1980

Reagan elected president

1994

Republican Revolution

Strategies and Methods

Intellectual Development

  • Think tank research
  • Policy development
  • Academic networks
  • Conservative publications

Political Organization

  • Party transformation
  • Coalition building
  • Grassroots mobilization
  • Media development

Major Achievements

Political Victories

  • Reagan presidency
  • Republican Congress
  • Tax reform
  • Judicial appointments

Policy Impact

  • Deregulation
  • Tax reduction
  • Welfare reform
  • Strong defense policy

Legacy and Evolution

The Conservative Movement fundamentally transformed American politics, shifting public discourse and policy in a more conservative direction. Its success in building institutions, developing ideas, and winning elections made it one of the most influential political movements of the 20th century. Today, the movement continues to evolve, facing new challenges and debates over its future direction.