Conservatism, once at the periphery of American politics, now occupies a central and strategic position in the seat of political power. In The Conservative Tradition in America, Charles W. Dunn and J. David Woodard present the first full-scale survey written since the 1950s of American conservatism. The authors trace the philosophical and political roots of conservatism from its origins to the present and they explain the causes of its recent resurgence. This comprehensive account identifies different strands of conservative thought, while it analyzes the current state and future prospects of conservatism. This is essential reading for students and scholars seeking information about the historical roots of today's most important political movement.