This dissertation examines the development of free enterprise ideology by religious and business conservatives over the first half of the twentieth century. This ideology constituted neither a rationalization of business self-interest nor an expression of a historically traditional, exceptionalist American values, but rather a concrete, coherent social philosophy. Both religious and social conservatives were equal partners in shaping this conservative consensus on the moral and social consequences of corporate capitalism. Moreover, both partners were equally transformed by this consensus; it aided conservative evangelicalism’s rapprochement with modernity as well as promoting a moral vision of the market among businessmen.

Focusing upon the Philadelphia metropolitan region and its business, religious, and community organizations, the dissertation examines not only the development and content of free enterprise ideology, but also its presence within and impact upon civil society. It emphasizes contingency and conflict in the formation of this ideology from turn-of-the century notions of laissez-faire and progressive Christian capitalism, as conservative alliances shifted during the Fundamentalist controversy and the transition from proprietary to corporate capitalism. When free enterprise ideology emerged fully mature at mid-century, it played a vital role in bringing together the religious and business wings of the nascent Cold War conservative coalition.