The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America summary

The Birth of a Movement

In The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America by George H. Nash, we are taken on a journey through the evolution of conservative thought in the United States. Nash begins by tracing the roots of American conservatism to the early 20th century, when a few intellectuals, disillusioned by the rise of progressivism and socialism, began to articulate a counter-narrative.

Their concerns centered on the erosion of individual freedom, the expansion of state power, and the growing influence of collectivist ideologies. These early conservatives, including H.L. Mencken and Albert Jay Nock, laid the groundwork for a more cohesive conservative intellectual movement.

The Post-War Period

Nash then moves to the post-World War II era, a time when conservatism was still a marginalized and fragmented force in American politics. The author meticulously documents the growth of conservative thought through the writings of key figures such as Russell Kirk, Richard Weaver, and Robert Nisbet, who sought to articulate a coherent conservative philosophy.

These intellectuals were deeply critical of the liberal consensus that dominated American politics and sought to offer an alternative vision based on tradition, individualism, and limited government. Nash’s narrative captures the intellectual ferment of the time and the gradual coalescence of conservative ideas into a unified movement.

The Conservative Revival

Nash then examines the 1950s and 1960s, a period of conservative revival marked by the publication of several influential books, including Kirk’s The Conservative Mind and William F. Buckley’s God and Man at Yale. These works, along with the founding of National Review by Buckley, provided a platform for conservative ideas and helped galvanize a new generation of conservative intellectuals.

By the 1960s, conservatism had gained significant ground in American intellectual life, challenging the dominance of liberalism and offering a compelling critique of the welfare state, big government, and the erosion of traditional values. This period also witnessed the rise of the New Right, a more politically active and populist form of conservatism.

The Conservative Movement in Action

In the latter part of the book, Nash turns his attention to the conservative movement’s growing influence on American politics. He examines the rise of Barry Goldwater, who embodied the fusion of conservative ideas and grassroots activism, and his unsuccessful but influential presidential campaign in 1964.

Nash also discusses the impact of the Reagan presidency, which he sees as the high watermark of the conservative movement. Reagan’s election and his two terms in office marked the culmination of decades of conservative intellectual and political activism, leading to significant policy shifts and a reorientation of American politics.

Reflecting on the Past and Future

In the final chapters of The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America, Nash reflects on the achievements and limitations of the conservative movement. He acknowledges the movement’s success in shaping the national debate and influencing key policy areas, such as tax reform and national defense.

At the same time, Nash highlights the enduring challenges facing American conservatism, including its internal divisions and the ongoing struggle to balance intellectual purity with political pragmatism. In conclusion, Nash’s book offers a comprehensive and insightful history of the conservative intellectual movement, shedding light on its past, present, and future.