conservative party origins + development

origin of conservative party

• Conservative party came into existence in the 1830s

  • Led by Robert Peel

• Largely engaged in resisting reforms proposed by the Whigs and later the Liberals

• Party stood for tradition and stability, fighting against the growing force of socialism

• Became a strong supporter of free-market capitalism and individualism

• 1975 Margaret Thatcher leader of party, modelling it on her political philosophy - Thatcherism, neoliberalism and neoconservatism

traditional conservatism

• Conservative party can trace its origins back to the Tory Party of the late 17th century

• First came together in defence of the historic privileges of the Crown and the CoE as powerful landowning institutions

• Party evolved into being dedicated to the defence of property and traditional authority against the threat of revolution

• Appealed to middle class + land-owning aristocracy 

one nation conservatism

• Originally associated with Benjamin Disraeli (PM 1868- 1874)

• Noticed the division between the rich and poor in the mid-19th century, produced by the development of industrial capitalism

• Sought to bridge the division between classes through a paternalistic social policy

• Tory party in the 19th century accepted the emergence of parliamentary government

• The 'natural leaders' of society would accept an obligation to act benevolently towards the disadvantaged, in return for acceptance of their right to rule

• The wealthy have a duty to look after the poor

new right conservatism / thatcherism

• Between 1979 and 1990, associated w/ Margaret Thatcher

• Rise of Thatcherism aka New Right

• Sought to reduce state intervention in the economy

• Restoring order to society in the face of rising challenges from militant Tus and other groups on the left

Thatcherism compromised the following key themes:

• Control of public spending, combined w/ tax cuts to provide incentives for business leaders +  stimulate economic growth

• Legal limits on the power of trade unions, to deter industrial action.

• A tough approach to law and order, with increased police and judicial powers.

• A desire to protect national sovereignty against the growth of the European Community (European Union).

neo-liberalism

The main beliefs of neo-liberalism are:

• The state should disengage from political management

• Markets should not be regulated by the state

• TU's hinder economic development, making everyone poorer

• Welfare benefits are detrimental and produce a dependency culture

• High taxation is a disincentive to work + productivity

neo-conservatism

The main beliefs of neo-conservatism are:

• Belief in the promotion + advancement of traditional moral values to ensure a stable society

• A requirement for strong forces of law and order in an authoritarian state to impose social morality

• Nationalism, believing that national pride and unification are the best way to maintain a stable society

• Distrust of multinational organisations like the EU or UN, believing that the pursuit of the national interest should always take priority