conservatism

Introduction
General characteristics
Intellectual roots of conservatism
- The Burkean foundations
- Maistre and Latin conservatism
Conservatism in the 19th century
- Metternich and the Concert of Europe
- The retreat of old-style conservatism
- Conservatism and nationalism
- Great Britain
- Christian Democracy
- The United States
Conservatism since the turn of the 20th century
- Great Britain
- Continental Europe
- Japan
- The United States
Legacy and prospects

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

François-Auguste-René, vicomte de Chateaubriand

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher speaks at a podium with microphones and an open folder at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

At a Glance

conservatism summary

Related Questions

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External Websites

BBC - A Point of View - The Meanings of Conservatism
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Conservatism
Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems - Conservatism
Social Sciences LibreTexts - Conservatism
Colorado Community College System Pressbooks - PPSC HIS 1320: Western Civilization: 1650-Present - Conservatism
Queens University Belfast - Conservatism (PDF)
Mises Institute - What Is Conservatism?
The Russell Kirk Center - Ten Conservative Principles

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

conservatism - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

conservatism

political philosophy

Written by

Terence Ball

Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Arizona State University, Tempe. Author of Reappraising Political Theory and others.

Terence BallAll

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Oct. 22, 2026 •History

conservatism, political doctrine that emphasizes the value of traditional institutions and practices. Conservatism is a preference for the historically inherited rather than the abstract and ideal. This preference has traditionally rested on an organic conception of society—that is, on the belief that society is not merely a loose collection of individuals but a living organism comprising closely connected, interdependent members. Conservatives thus favor institutions and practices that have evolved gradually and are manifestations of continuity...

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