The Struggle Between Conservatives and Liberals

The roots of conservatism and liberalism can be traced back to the Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and philosophical ferment in Europe in the 18th century. The Enlightenment thinkers were critical of the traditional authority of the church and the state, and they argued for the importance of individual liberty and reason.

Conservatives, such as Edmund Burke, believed that the traditional institutions of society, such as the monarchy and the church, were essential for maintaining Free Download and stability. They argued that change should be gradual and incremental, and that it should be based on tradition and experience.

Liberals, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, believed that individuals were naturally free and equal, and that they should have the right to govern themselves. They argued that the government should be based on the consent of the governed, and that it should protect the rights of individuals.

Our Disunited States of America: The Struggle Between Conservatives and Liberals

by Kristin S. Seefeldt

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Language	:	English
File size	:	841 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages
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The struggle between conservatives and liberals has been a major force in American politics since the founding of the United States. The Federalist Party, which was led by Alexander Hamilton, was the first conservative party in the United States. The Democratic-Republican Party, which was led by Thomas Jefferson, was the first liberal party.

The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans clashed over a wide range of issues, including the role of the federal government, the economy, and foreign policy. The Federalists favored a strong central government, a national bank, and a protective tariff. The Democratic-Republicans favored a weak central government, a decentralized economy, and free trade.

The struggle between conservatives and liberals continued throughout the 19th century. The Whigs, who were the successors to the Federalists, and the Democrats, who were the successors to the Democratic-Republicans, battled over the same issues that had divided their predecessors.

In the 20th century, the struggle between conservatives and liberals took on a new dimension with the rise of the New Deal. The New Deal was a series of economic and social programs that were enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. Conservatives opposed the New Deal, arguing that it was too expensive and that it would lead to socialism. Liberals supported the New Deal, arguing that it was necessary to help the country recover from the Depression.

The struggle between conservatives and liberals has continued in the 21st century. The Republican Party, which is the modern-day successor to the Whigs, is the conservative party in the United States. The Democratic Party, which is the modern-day successor to the Democrats, is the liberal party.

The Republicans and the Democrats have clashed over a wide range of issues in recent years, including healthcare, education, and climate change. The Republicans have generally favored lower taxes, less government regulation, and a strong national defense. The Democrats have generally favored higher taxes, more government regulation, and a more active role in social welfare programs.

The struggle between conservatives and liberals is likely to continue for many years to come. It is a fundamental conflict over the role of government and the nature of society. Conservatives believe that the government should play a limited role in society, and that individuals should be free to make their own choices. Liberals believe that the government has a responsibility to help those in need, and that it should play a more active role in promoting social justice.

The outcome of the struggle between conservatives and liberals will have a profound impact on the future of the United States. If conservatives prevail, the country will likely move in a more conservative direction, with less government regulation and a greater emphasis on individual liberty. If liberals prevail, the country will likely move in a more liberal direction, with more government regulation and a greater emphasis on social justice.

Only time will tell which side will ultimately prevail. But one thing is for sure: the struggle between conservatives and liberals is a defining feature of American politics, and it is a struggle that is likely to continue for many years to come.

Image Alt Attributes

• Edmund Burke: A portrait of Edmund Burke, a leading conservative thinker of the 18th century.
• John Locke: A portrait of John Locke, a leading liberal thinker of the 17th century.
• Alexander Hamilton: A portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and a leading Federalist.
• Thomas Jefferson: A portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and a leading Democratic-Republican.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: A portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States and the architect of the New Deal.

Our Disunited States of America: The Struggle Between Conservatives and Liberals

by Kristin S. Seefeldt

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	841 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE