EP. 028 - Conservatism Before the Revolution

About this episode

Dan McCarthy explores the origins of American conservatism in the context of historical political battles.

What does it really mean to be a conservative? As the 250th anniversary of American independence approaches, Dan McCarthy traces the deeper origins of American conservatism, not just to 1980s Reaganism or 1950s fusionism, but back to the political battles of Whigs and Tories in 18th-century England. This episode offers a sweeping intellectual history that places today’s debates over populism, foreign policy, and national identity in long historical context. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes di...

People in this episode

Host: Dan McCarthy

Topics covered

• American conservatism
• political history
• populism
• foreign policy
• national identity

Keywords

• conservatism
• American independence
• political battles
• Whigs
• Tories
• Reaganism
• fusionism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Intercollegiate Studies Institute

Books & works: Reaganism, fusionism

Places: 18th-century England

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• EP. 032 - The Case for Law Enforcement · January 16, 2026 · 40 min
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