Neoconservatism facts for kids
Neoconservatism is a political idea that became popular in the United States during the 1960s. It focuses on promoting strong American interests around the world. People who follow this idea, called neoconservatives, often believe in having a powerful military. They also support spreading democracy to other countries and standing up against ideas like communism.
Neoconservatives generally believe that the United States should play a strong role in global affairs. They think America should use its power to protect its interests and promote freedom worldwide. This way of thinking started with some thinkers who were against Stalinism (a harsh form of communism). They later became part of the conservative movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Who Are Neoconservatives?
Many neoconservatives have been part of the Republican Party. Some U.S. presidents from the 1970s to the 2000s were influenced by neocon ideas.
Key Figures and Their Impact
For example, George W. Bush, who was president in the early 2000s, had many advisors who were neoconservatives. These advisors included people like Paul Wolfowitz, Elliott Abrams, and Richard Perle. Dick Cheney, who was Vice President, and Donald Rumsfeld, who was Secretary of Defense, also listened to these ideas.
Neoconservative Policies
These leaders supported a strong defense for countries like Israel. They also believed in American military action in the Middle East, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Their goal was often to bring democracy and stability to these regions.
Where Did Neoconservatism Begin?
The ideas of neoconservatism first started to grow in the 1960s. A magazine called Commentary played a big role. This magazine was edited by Norman Podhoretz and published by the American Jewish Committee.
Early Influences
The people involved with Commentary were often against the New Left. The New Left was a political movement in the 1960s that focused on social issues and civil rights. The opposition to the New Left helped shape the early ideas of the neoconservative movement.
Images for kids
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Senator Henry M. Jackson, who inspired neoconservative foreign policy ideas in the 1970s.
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George W. Bush (right) with former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2002.
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President Bush meets with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and his staff in 2006.
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President George W. Bush and Senator John McCain at the White House in 2008.
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Donald Rumsfeld and Victoria Nuland at a meeting in Lithuania in 2005.
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George W. Bush announces his wartime budget request with Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz nearby.
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David Frum speaking in 2013.
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See also
In Spanish: Neoconservadurismo para niños
