Key Concepts in 19th Century Political and Economic Movements

Anti-Corn Law League

A liberal group founded in 1839 advocating for the repeal of the Corn Laws, which aimed to lower food prices and create more industrial jobs.

Bessemer Process

The first cost-effective industrial process for mass-producing steel from molten pig iron, predating the open hearth furnace.

Bourgeoisie

The wealthy and privileged land-owning class in Europe, permitted to participate in the government.

Capital

The central city where the nation's government is located.

Capitalism

An economic system, prominent in the 1700s, focused on privately owned production and widespread distribution of income through markets. Key figures include Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Jean-Baptiste Say.

Chartism

A British working-class movement for parliamentary reform named after the People's Charter, a bill drafted in 1838 by William Lovett. Active from 1838 to 1848.

Commercial Agriculture

Agricultural production in the 1800s aimed at selling crops for widespread distribution, including supermarkets and export markets.

Concert of Europe (Congress System)

Post-Napoleonic era agreement among European countries to support each other in suppressing rebellions, lasting through most of the 19th century.

Conservatism

A political doctrine prevalent from 1768 to 1848 that values traditional institutions and practices. Francois-Auguste-Rene was influential in this movement.

Cult of Domesticity

A system of cultural beliefs in the 18th and 19th centuries shaping gender roles for upper- and middle-class Americans. It emphasized virtues such as purity, piety, submissiveness, and domesticity for women.

Factory System

Introduced in the 18th century, it replaced individual workers with large factories and machinery, leading to a migration of workers to urban areas.

Free Market

A concept prevalent in the 19th century, referring to a laissez-faire capitalist system without government discrimination against imports or interference with exports. Adam Smith argued that specialization and efficiency would result in increased aggregate production.

Free Trade

A policy where the government does not discriminate against imports or interfere with exports through tariffs. It is based on Adam Smith's argument about the division of labor and specialization.

Individualism

A belief and practice, prevalent in the 1800s, that emphasizes every person's uniqueness and self-reliance. Alexis de Tocqueville was associated with this idea.

Laissez-faire

An economic doctrine advocated by Adam Smith, stating that the government should not interfere in private enterprise and should act as an 'invisible hand.'

Liberalism

A movement in the 1700s supporting equality, representation in government, and various freedoms like press, speech, and assembly. Key figures include Charles de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and John Locke.

Market Economy

An economic system based on capitalism and trade, used by many countries such as Poland, Russia, and Croatia. It operates on the principles of supply and demand, directing the production of goods and services.

Marxism

Political and economic theories developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which later became the foundation for the theory and practice of communism.

Parliament

The highest legislature in the UK, consisting of the sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.

Proletariat

Refers to workers or the working-class people as a collective term, often used in the context of Marxism.

Putting-Out System (Cottage Industry)

A production system prevalent in the 17th century in Europe before the industrial revolution. It involved individuals working and selling goods from their homes, leading to mass employment.

Realpolitik

A political strategy utilized by Otto von Bismarck during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It involved gaining support for Prussian wars on France and Austria by giving people what they wanted rather than adhering to ideological principles.

Social Darwinism

The belief that Darwin's theory of biological evolution applies to economic affairs, suggesting that some individuals are rich because they are more 'fit' while the poor are naturally weaker. This idea gained popularity among the upper middle class.

Social Welfare

The belief in the evolutionary implications of society and the right to divide society based on race due to 'lower evolutionary development.'

Socialism

A movement in the late 1700s and 1800s advocating for cooperation and community over individuality. It involves state regulation of property, control over the economy, and the pursuit of economic equality. Key figures include Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Che Guevara.

The Crystal Palace

An exhibition held in the Crystal Palace starting May 1, 1851, showcasing the industrial progress of nations. Notable displays included firearms from the U.S. and steam engines, including the McCormick Reaper.

Factory Act of 1833

Legislation introduced by Michael Thomas Sadler in 1833 to limit child labor hours to 12 per day. Its effectiveness was limited.

Liberal Reform

A movement in the 1800s advocating for women's suffrage, limits on child labor, abolition of slavery, temperance, and prison reform.

Revolutions of 1848

A series of political upheavals throughout Europe, also known as the Springtime of the Peoples or the Springtime of Nations, which started in 1848.

Jeremy Bentham

Philosopher who believed that happiness is the ultimate measure of right and wrong.

Friedrich Engels

A prominent figure in modern communism, co-author of The Communist Manifesto alongside Karl Marx. He lived from 1820 to 1895.

Karl Marx

A German philosopher known for co-authoring the Communist Manifesto with Friedrich Engels. His ideas formed the basis of socialist policies.

Robert Owen

A reformer known for introducing the concept of Utopian Socialism. He was a textile manufacturer and advocated for improved working conditions and social welfare.

Emmeline Pankhurst

Founder of the Women's Social and Political Union, a militant champion of women's suffrage.

Leo Tolstoy

A highly influential Russian writer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his literary works.