Introduction

The political ideas of the nineteenth century flowed, in part, from the technological and social changes of the period. To understand the political landscape, we need to spend some time looking at four major political theories: nationalism, liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.

Some students find the contrast between nineteenth-century liberalism and conservatism confusing because they associate the terms with contemporary political parties and debates in which each term is used as a pejorative label. Remember that nineteenth-century liberals wanted change that would allow more participation by individuals. Liberals championed causes such as democracy, limited government (especially through written constitutions and legislatures), and free enterprise. Conservatives during this time cautioned against changing too quickly. Some conservatives merely wanted to consider the ramifications first to avoid change for change’s sake alone. Others resisted change because they wanted to bring back absolute monarchies and to return to the old regime.

The socialists of the nineteenth century sought to liberate humanity from the dangers of the competition of the market. They believed that human nature is basically good and that the problems faced by humans resulted from their circumstances. In some ways, socialists' ideas about a good society are similar to a description of Kingdom living. Take another look at Matthew 18. Jesus told his disciples that there is no hierarchy in the Kingdom; no one is first or greatest. All authority belongs to Jesus Christ.

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And he said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-4).

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to

define nationalism, liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.
illustrate the political philosophies with appropriate examples from the time period.
evaluate the impact of the political philosophies on events in the time period.

Key Questions

Look ahead at the discussion for this unit: Political Philosophy Chart. Work on creating the chart as you study the Key Questions and Terms for this lesson.

What actions/events/people can be described as conservative? as liberal? as nationalist? as socialist?
How successful were revolutions in the mid-1800s?
What is the emphasis of socialism?
What was the character of the British constitution?
Why did England not erupt into revolution like France (and other places) did?

Key Terms

nationalism
conservatism
liberalism
Treaty of Vienna, 1815
Mazzini
Holy Alliance
Louis XVIII
Charles X
July Revolution, 1830
Louis Philippe
Belgian independence
Eastern Question
Greek independence
1848 revolutions (France, Austria, Prussia)
socialism
Marx
1848, Communist Manifesto
proletariat/bourgeoisie
British Reform Acts (1832, 1861, 1872)
Corn Law repealed, 1846
Chartism, the People’s Charter
Irish home rule

Reading

Read the following.

Roberts and Westad, pp. 748-56; 761-64; and 784-90
(For reference, note the map on p. 750 of Europe in 1815.)
Kindle location: 14060-14222 (End: “Altogether, the social…”), and 14308-14392 (Start: “This was vividly…” / End: “Russia seemed, except…”), and 14725-14848 (Start: “Such transatlantic influences…”)

New Political Vocabulary