One-Nation Conservatism

Question 1

How did one-nation conservatism (updated version of tradition conservatism) originate?

Answer 1

1. in response to the development of laissez-faire capitalism
   - fears that a self-interested individualism was undermining the basis of organic society/idea of social responsibility
2. industrialisation in 19th century
   - during the same period, it led to concerns that Britain was becoming ‘two nations’
   - fears that this would divide and destabilise society and sharpen class conflict

Question 2

Who is its central figure?

Answer 2

Benjamin Disraeli

Question 3

Why can one-nation conservatism be described as pragmatic?

Answer 3

after fearing Britain may be splitting into 2 nations (rich and poor)
Disraeli called for conservatism to renew its commitments to the concepts of social obligation.

it was pragmatic and principled.

Question 4

What are the main features of one-nation conservatism?

Answer 4

maintenance of traditional institutions

imperialism

reforms to improve conditions for working class

Question 5

How does one-nation conservatism include maintenance of traditional institutions?

Answer 5

Disraeli’s speeches at Manchester and Crystal Palace in 1872:
wanted to uphold traditional British institutions
as they had proved stability and focused on national loyalty/identity across classes

Question 6

How does one-nation conservatism include imperialism?

Answer 6

Disraeli also praised imperialism
British Empire was not only a source of great national pride but also had an influential global role

it appealed to all classes

Question 7

How does one-nation conservatism include reforms to improve working class conditions?

Answer 7

forge an alliance between traditional ruling class and workers

to offset negative effects of laissez-faire capitalism

remove the possibility of revolution

e.g. Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act (1875) - decriminalised the work of trade unions

Question 8

What economic policy did one-nation conservatives adopt in the 1950s? Why?

Answer 8

Keynesian economic management techniques

why:
- to maintain high employment
- accept the mixed economy
- support an expanding welfare state

Question 9

What do one-nation conservatives understand by the ‘middle way’?

Answer 9

liberalism (free-market economics and individualism)

socialist collectivism (extensive state planning and control)

Question 10

What recent PMs have been inspired by one-nation conservatism and what shows this?

Answer 10

David Cameron - ‘compassionate conservatism’

Theresa May - ‘shared society’…focusing on the ‘responsibilities we have to one another’

Question 11

What did Harold Macmillan think would preserve the cohesion of the ‘one nation’?

Answer 11

‘orderly capitalism’