Lewis Powell Memorandum

The Lewis Powell Memorandum, written in 1971 by lawyer Lewis Powell, urged conservative business leaders to take strategic action to influence American politics, universities, and the media. It argued that the political left was increasing its influence and that business interests needed to respond to protect their ideas and power. The memo outlined plans to fund conservative research, support think tanks, and promote education aligned with their views. It is seen as a key document that helped mobilize the right-wing movement in the U.S., shaping the development of conservative strategies over the following decades.