Conservative is an adjective that mentions the one or that which conserves (saves, respects, protects). The term, which comes from the Latin word conservātor, is used to name the person or political party that is favorable to the continuity of current ways of life.
Conservatives, therefore, oppose radical changes. Conservatism is a doctrine associated with the political right that tends to defend traditions, religious values, and nationalism. On an economic level, the conservatives of yesteryear were protectionists, although today they tend to get involved with the defense of the free market.
Specifically, we can establish that a conservative party or politician considers religion to be a fundamental pillar of society since thanks to it a nexus of union of all individuals is established and it is also a spiritual need of the human being.
In the same way, it is committed to the established order in both political and social matters, is in favor of private property, is committed to what is known as fiscal prudence and does not hesitate to support at all times what is natural law, it is that is, the Law based on what is custom.
A conservative politician, by definition, wants to maintain the status quo under existing conditions. The dilemma lies in the position taken in the face of historical changes. For example: the revolution led by Fidel Castro in Cuba represented a historical break in the historical and social model of the country. In the 1960s, therefore, the Communists and Socialists were revolutionaries who overthrew the conservative regime of Fulgencio Batista. Today, fifty years later, these revolutionaries have become conservatives, defending the same system for half a century.
In Spain there was a political formation called the Liberal-Conservative Party. This functioned from the year 1876, when it was founded, until the year 1931. It was led by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo and was in charge of being in charge of the country’s government for a long time.
Francisco Silvela or Antonio Maura were other politicians who were in the ranks of this aforementioned party that, among other things, advocated the monarchy as a form of government in the nation. Hence, when the failure of the First Republic occurred, he bet on convincing Alfonso XII that he should take charge of the State.
The Conservative Party exists in various countries to defend policies such as those already mentioned (nationalism, traditions, etc.). One of the most important is the Conservative Party of Great Britain (Conservative Party), which was created in 1830 and is the British party with the largest number of members. Its leader is David Cameron, who has served as Prime Minister since May 2010.
This British formation has its origin in the well-known Tory party, which in its country is the one that has obtained the most electoral victories throughout history.
Colombia, Argentina, Norway, Romania or Venezuela are other nations that throughout their existence have also had conservative parties.