Ronald Reagan’s presidential victory led to a renewed interest in conservative ideas, but most people didn’t understand what major principles guided the new wave of thinking. Regan’s overwhelming victory in 1985 affirmed that conservatism was here to stay. The combination of several things led to social stability and a renewed acceptance of wisdom from the past. The main belief of Reagan was that individuals performed best when government was least, involved in defense, not programs for citizen benefit.

Continuity, authority, community, deity, duty, property and liberty were central to a healthy conservative ideal state. These ideas, along with a host of others, compose the chapters of this book. This concise survey of conservative ideas attracted an audience of students and casual readers. In all ways, it affirmed the conservative faith that the past is best suited as a guide for future years.