Lincoln Was a Republican: Why He Would Not Recognize Today’s GOP
We’ve all heard someone try to throw a curveball in a political discussion by stating, “You know, Lincoln was a Republican.” The prevalence of political binary in America can be confusing, but we’ll help you understand how conservatism has changed.
Democrat and Republican are political parties. Conservatism and liberalism are more like belief systems or ideologies. Republicans used to be a more liberal party but now consists mostly of conservatives.
How Have Things Changed?
The conservatives of the 19th and 20th centuries might be shocked by some of the policies and ideas modern conservatives support. So, let’s look at how historical conservative values differ from contemporary conservative values.
An Increase in Government Intervention
Historically, conservatives have advocated for little to no government intervention. They wanted all the freedom they could get. The focus was on free markets and individual liberties, but conservatives have started to favor a more involved and controlling government over time.
Targeting Schools
Unlike the historical emphasis on limited government, contemporary conservatives often support increased government intervention in education, healthcare, and religious freedom. This includes policies to control what is taught in schools, restrict abortion and sexual rights, and provide government subsidies to encourage larger families.
These ideas clash with the conservative notion of individual liberty, but modern conservatism rarely addresses this convolution.
From Fiscal Restraint to Government Debts
Traditional fiscal conservatism advocated low taxes, modest government spending, balanced budgets, and minimal government debt. This approach relied on a Darwinian free market system with a limited safety net for those in need.
This all plays into the Social Contract, something that conservatives and liberals often find themselves on opposite sides of. However, modern conservatism now advocates for larger government coordination of economic activity and pardons for increased government debt.
More Than One Way to Look at debt
This shift has led to policies focusing on empowering workers and other stakeholders, contrasting with the traditional small-government mantra. Historical conservatives believed the government should take on as little debt as possible, while modern conservatives have loosened their views on government spending.
Internationalism vs. “America First” Policies
Historically, conservatives supported a strong internationalist foreign policy, focusing on national defense and global alliances. The Reagan Administration’s emphasis on powerful military and democratic-centered alliances exemplified this approach.
Putting “America First”
Current conservative foreign policy has adopted an “America First” approach, emphasizing isolationist and protectionist policies. This includes trade and tariff policies last popular in the 1930s, such as those advocated by former President Trump.
While conservatives have always prioritized national defense and power, the desire to form alliances with other nations is decreasing. Instead, they’re promoting a more isolated America that doesn’t readily help or collaborate with other countries.
Classical Liberalism to Populism
Historically, American conservatism was deeply rooted in classical liberalism, emphasizing individual liberty, limited government intervention, and free markets. This ideology was inspired by the Founding Fathers and the principles of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
This is the American system many of us learned about in school, but this brand of liberalism is fading. Today, the most powerful conservatives are taking a populist approach. Populism is meant to emphasize the wants of needs of “the people” against “the elite” or “the establishment.”
An ideological shift?
This anti-establishment rhetoric simultaneously opposes large businesses but also goes against liberal and socialist politics. The ideological shift might sound positive, but populism is often used to create hostility between different classes and propped up by politicians who don’t genuinely want to help “the people” and are, in fact, part of “the elite” or “the establishment.”
The Relationship Between Church and State
Conservatives of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries upheld traditional American values, including religious freedom, the sanctity of marriage, and the protection of unborn life.
These values were seen as essential to maintaining social stability and moral order and are some of the ideas that America was built on, namely religious freedom. Modern conservatives continue to emphasize traditional values such as religious freedom and the protection of unborn life.
Church and State Separation Gets Blurred
However, the approach does not align with historic values, focusing on using government power to enforce these values rather than relying solely on individual liberty and free markets. The definition of “religious freedom” has also become muddied, as contemporary conservatives use this idea to force religious values into government policies.
The Future of Conservatism
The future of conservatism is somewhat of a mystery. While many historical conservative values bleed into modern ideologies, conservatives seem to be having somewhat of an identity crisis.
This is your reminder that “conservative” does not equal “Trump supporter”; “conservative” does not equal “republican.” Many conservative values and ideas have advantages for America, but current conservative discourse tends to be convoluted and self-serving.
We can only hope that the next iteration of conservatism is more authentic in its compassion and logical in its policy building.
The Best Countries A Republican Could Move To If Trump Loses
As reported by various sources, some MAGA Republicans dissatisfied with the current political climate in the United States are considering relocating to countries that align more closely with their conservative values, with Hungary emerging as a popular destination due to its government’s stance on traditional values and national sovereignty.
READ: The Best Countries A Republican Could Move To If Trump Loses
Democrats Looking to Flee the U.S.? These 10 Countries Are Top Picks!
As concerns about political polarization and potential election outcomes grow in the United States, some Democrats are exploring options for relocating abroad. Countries like Canada, Sweden, Norway, and New Zealand consistently rank among the top choices for those seeking progressive policies, strong social safety nets, and high quality of life standards that align with Democratic values.
Based on the search results and the values typically associated with the Democratic Party in the US, some of the best countries for Democrats to consider moving to if Harris were to lose an election could include:
READ: Democrats Looking to Flee the U.S.? These 10 Countries Are Top Picks!
7 Mental Health Tips for Staying Grounded During Election Season
We don’t know about you, but we’re stressed about this election. And that’s completely normal but doesn’t mean we should let our mental health slip in order to stay involved.
Navigating the stress of a presidential election season can be challenging, especially during such a polarizing time. Whether you’re already swimming in “election anxiety” or just want to stay on top of your mental health, we have some tips.
READ: 7 Mental Health Tips for Staying Grounded During Election Season
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