Examines the history of American conservatism from the Revolutionary War through the twentieth century, exploring the ideas and people who have influenced conservative though and its role in the United States.

Introduction -- The Federalists -- Southern conservatism -- Northern antebellum conservatism and the Whigs -- Conservatism and the Civil War -- Conservatism after the Civil War -- Conservatism in the 1920s and 1930s -- The new conservatism, 1945-1964 -- The movement gains allies, 1964-1980 -- The Reagan revolution and the climax of the Cold War -- Conservatives after the Cold War, 1989-2001 -- Conclusion -- Notes -- Index.