Political Traditions of the Nineteenth Century

Political Trends of the 19th Century

• In the 19th century, people who wanted to restructure society radically were categorized as conservatives, liberals, or radicals, with distinct meanings in that context.
• These terms don't mean the same thing in all contexts or at all times.

Liberals

• Wanted a nation that tolerated all religions, unlike European states that usually favored one religion or another.
• Opposed the uncontrolled power of dynastic rulers and wanted to safeguard individual rights against governments.
• Argued for a representative, elected parliamentary government, subject to laws interpreted by an independent judiciary.
• Did not believe in universal adult franchise, wanting men of property mainly to have the vote, and did not want the vote for women.

Radicals

• Wanted a nation where government was based on the majority of a country's population.
• Many supported women's suffragette movements.
• Opposed the privileges of great landowners and wealthy factory owners, disliking concentration of property in a few hands.
• Not against private property, but wanted it distributed more evenly.

Conservatives

• Opposed to radicals and liberals.
• After the French Revolution, even conservatives accepted that some change was inevitable, but believed it had to be brought about through a slow process.
• Respected the past and wanted to preserve it.

Industrial Society and Social Change

• The 19th century saw profound social and economic changes, including the Industrial Revolution.
• Industrialization brought men, women, and children to factories, with long working hours, poor wages, and common unemployment.
• Liberals and radicals searched for solutions to issues like housing and sanitation problems in rapidly growing towns.
• Almost all industries were owned by individuals, who believed that individual effort, labor, and enterprise would lead to societal development.

Explore the meanings of 'conservatives', 'liberals', and 'radicals' in the context of the nineteenth century. Learn about the differences and similarities between these political ideologies and how they influenced societal change.