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How has conservatism evolved over time?

Ashli Lydon

Conservatism has definitely gone through changes and evolution over time. In the beginning, conservatism was all about preserving tradition and keeping things the way they were. It was deeply rooted in religion, social hierarchy, and political power.

But as society progressed and changed, so did conservatism. Today, conservatism is more about individual freedom and limited government control. It still values tradition and family, but it also recognizes the importance of adapting to changing times.

Part of this evolution is due to the changing landscape of politics. In the past, conservatives were mostly concerned with maintaining the status quo and resisting progressive change. But as society became more diverse and globalized, conservatism had to adapt as well.

For example, one major evolution for conservatism was the shift from isolationism to globalism. In the early 1900s, conservatives believed in isolationism - that America should stay out of international affairs and focus only on domestic issues. But as the world became more interconnected, conservatives had to recognize the importance of global engagement and cooperation.

Another evolution for conservatism was the shift towards fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention. In the past, conservatives were all about maintaining the social and economic hierarchy, even if it meant using government power to do so. But as the economy became more complex and government grew more inefficient, conservatives began to advocate for smaller government and less government intervention.

Social conservatism has also evolved over time. In the past, conservatism was more strict when it came to social issues like gender roles, sexual morality, and religion. But as society became more diverse and accepting of different lifestyles and beliefs, conservatives had to adapt and become more tolerant.

Of course, not all conservatives have evolved at the same pace or in the same direction. There are still plenty of conservatives who advocate for traditional values and resist change. But overall, conservatism has become more moderate and adaptable over time.

In conclusion, conservatism has gone through significant evolution over time. It has adapted to changing social, economic, and political landscapes, becoming more moderate and open-minded in the process. While there are still some traditionalist conservatives who resist change, the overall trend has been towards more individual freedom and limited government control.