Origins and developments of the conservative party

overview

• sir robert peel (1834-35, 1841-46) generally acknowledged as first conservative pm, he and benjamin disraeli formed party basing it on traditional conservative ideas, party’s main objective was to prevent country falling to far into inequality, preserve unity of kingdom and preserve order in society, was a pragmatic party, adopted policies believed would benefit whole nation.

• political background best understood by considering two traditions, first= “traditional conservatism” or “one nation” (paternalistic approach, richer have obligation to help poor ppl). second= “new right” or “Thatcherism”(conservatives who want state to take more authotarian approach to morality n law n order and news-liberals, endorse free-market approach and rolling back of state in ppls lives and businesses)

traditional conservatism leading to one-nationism

• originating late 18th century, developed as reaction vs new liberal ideas that were inspiration behind rev in north america, and france.

• conservative thinkers (edmund burke) alarmed at rise of ideas, freedom of indiv, tolerance of diff political n religious beliefs, rep gov + laissez attitude to economic activity, conservatives believed such society lead to major social disorder

• → conservatives continue to oppose rise of any new ideology, in 19th century rise of socialism opposed, anti-socialist position remain until 1980, when reached height under Thatcher

• conservatism not reaction to any dominant ideologies, acknowledges society must evolve n conserve best elements of past, looks to enact limited reforms to release pressure building major upheaval or radical movement, as occur in french rev.

key principles of one-nation

• strong law and order to control society

• preservation of tradition

• organic society w ppl on higher n lower incomes bound to eachother

• theory of noblesse oblige ( higher standing obligated help lower social standing who no fault of own in hard time)

• pragmatic, rather than ideological, responds to issues

• faith in property and home ownership as means to creating ordered society

new right conservatism (thatcherism)

• “new right” used to describe set of political values n ideas, largely emerging in USA 1970s n 80s

• made up of two competing strands,-

  • neo-conservatism, believes in strong and traditional state

  • neo-liberalism, freedom market economies

• two strands reaction vs socialist ideas gaining ground in countries across EU (asia n south america) and against traditional conservatives values that were seen as too weak to deal with contemporary economic and social policies

• news-conservatism and neo-liberalism seem contradictory, thatcher created amalgamation of two, “thatcherism” described as “free markets; strong state”

Neo liberalism key principles

• state should disengage from political management

• markets should not be regulated by state

• trade unions hinder economic development, making everyone poorer

• welfare benefits are detrimental and produce dependency culture

• high tax is a disincentive to work n productivity

• (in practical terms- reducing direct tax, privatising industries, reducing welfare so only a “safety net” and curbing powers of trade unions and allowing economy to find own level rather than state trying to control economic activity)

key principles of neo-conservaitism

• belief in promotion and advancement of traditional moral values to ensure a stable society

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

• nationalism, believing national pride and unification best way to maintain stable society

• distrust of multinational organisations like EU and UN believing pursuit of national interest always take priority