Understanding Stalwartism: A Conservative Political Ideology of the Past

Stalwartism is a term used to describe the political and social ideology of the Stalwart faction, which emerged within the Republican Party in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Stalwarts were a group of conservative Republicans who opposed the progressive reforms advocated by the party's more liberal wing, known as the Insurgents.
Stalwartism emphasized the importance of traditional values, such as individual liberty, limited government, and states' rights, and opposed the expansion of federal power and intervention in economic matters. The Stalwarts also tended to be more supportive of big business and the wealthy elite, and were often criticized for their opposition to progressive reforms that benefited the working class and the poor.
The term "stalwart" itself is derived from the Old English word "stale," meaning "firm, steady, or unshaken." It was first used to describe the Stalwart faction in the 1890s, and has since been applied to other political movements and individuals who embody similar principles and values.