Conservative Party

Origins of the Conservative part (17th Century)

The Tory Party which defended the Crown and Church of England as landowners

Conservative party in 1800s

Under Robert Peel, was evolving into a party dedicated to the defence of property and traditional authority against the threat of revolution.

Emphasised gradual reform to conserve established institutions.

Who created One Nation Conservatism

Derives from the writings and speeches of twice PM Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

What was One Nation a response to?

Socialism, class conflict and capitalism, which were all issues developed from the industrial revolution

What does One Nation Conservatism stand for?

members of society should exist together as one nation, emphasising patriotism, monarchism and expansionist foreign policy.

What did Disraeli recognise about working classes?

Their unhappiness threatens the wealthy (revolution), so he aimed to win their votes, not just the aristocracy’s.

What is Thatcherism

The policies and ideals of Margaret Thatcher, the first female PM and the longest running PM of the 20th Century, from 1979-1990.

What are the five main ideas of thatcherism

1. Individualism

2. Free Market

3. Privatisation

4. Minimal State

5. Euroscepticism

Individualism - definition

A belief in the primacy of the individual, implying that people are self interested and largely self-reliant.

Free market - definition

The principle of unrestricted market competition free from government interference

Privatisation - definition

The selling of nationalised industries and other state assets, transferring them from the public to private sector

Minimal state - definition

State that only maintains domestic order, enforces legal agreements and protects against external attack, avoiding a nanny state by leaving other matters in the hands of individuals

Nanny state - definition

When the government involves itself heavily with the running and and regulation of the country, in particular the economy and welfare

Euroscepticism - definition

Opposition to the process of European integration, based on a defence of national sovereignty and national identity; Eurosceptics aren’t necessarily anti-European.

Why did Margaret Thatcher come into power?

People wanted major change, even if they didn’t necessarily support her policies, due to the crumbling state of the UK in 1979.

Winter of discontent - what was it?

There were widespread strikes with 1.5 million unemployed, low economic growth, UK nicknamed the ‘sick man of europe’

What two ideologies is thatcherism a combination of?

Neoliberalism and neoconservatism

Neoliberalism - definition

Supports unregulated capitalism with reduced gov intervention and an opposition to strong trade unions. Belief that it leads to efficiency, growth and widespread prosperity.

Neoconservatism - definition

A form of authoritarian conservatism that calls for a restoration of order, authority and discipline, with patriotism and traditional views emphasised

Who came into power after Thatcher?

John Major was PM and leader of the conservatives from 1990-1997.

The party struggled to develop an identity separate of her, and Major followed the Thatcherite path.

Who were the party leaders when in opposition from 1997-2005?

William Hague (1997-2001), Iain Duncan Smith (2001-2003), Michael Howard (2003-2005).

Were all unsuccessful, losing in the 1997,2001 and 2005 elections. Failed to distance themselves from outdated Thatcherism, whereas Blair ran a platform on modernisation.

Who became leader of the Conservatives in 2005?

David Cameron (2005-2016) - felt the party needed to seize the centre ground of politics, supporter of One Nation Conservatism.

What did Cameron do in his 5 years in opposition (2005-10) (8)

• Tried to end the ‘nasty party’ image - strong supporter of welfare state and NHS

• Wished to reduce inequality

• Showed concern for environment

• Firmness toward MPs expenses

• Criticised labour’s deficit financing

• More media savvy - presented himself as socially liberal and a ‘moderniser’

• Avoided extremism on issues of Europe + Migration

• Need to finance public services before tax cuts