How did Roman Catholics shift from being perceived as un-American to emerging as the most vocal defenders of the United States as the standard bearer in world history for political liberty and economic prosperity? This book charts the development of the complex relationship between Roman Catholicism and American conservatism, and it shows how these two seemingly antagonistic ideological groups became intertwined in advancing a certain brand of domestic and international politics. Contrary to the standard narrative, Roman Catholics were some of the most assertive political conservatives directly after World War II, and their brand of politics became one of the most influential means by which Roman Catholicism came to terms with American secular society.

Previously issued in print: 2020.

Introduction : How Americanism Won -- Belonging to an Ancient Church in a Modern Republic -- Public Duty, Private Faith -- Americanism for the Global Church -- Liberal Catholics, American Conservatives -- The Extremities of Defending Liberty -- Limits of Americanism -- Americanism Revisited -- Americanism Redux -- Conclusion : Freedom and Catholicism in Post-Conciliar America.