Traditional conservatism

Question 1

traditional conservatism - FR

Answer 1

 Aftermath of the French Revolution 1789
 Reaction to the French Revolution.
 Whig politician, Edmund Burke, offered the first philosophically coherent objection to what
the French Revolution represented in his famous text ‘Reflections on the Revolution in
France’ 1790.
 This analysis shaped the origins of conservatism and its development in Britain in the 1800s.
 Tory PMs e.g. Pitt, Canning and Peel were essentially conservative in their political practice –
antipathy to revolutionary change and defended principles of paternalistic aristocratic rule.
 Burke’s influence most marked in their attitude to change; ‘enlightened Tory’ governments
sought to avert the spread of revolutionary ideas by embracing moderate reform in the
name of continuity (change to conserve).

Question 2

further

Answer 2

 E.g. Canning supported Catholic emancipation; prepared legislation that allowed Roman
Catholics to participate in Parliament; also championed the abolition of slavery and
supported demands from various Latin American countries for independence.
 Peel, along with the newly named ‘Conservatives’ supported the Great Reform Act 1832 thus
ensuring representation at Westminster for the new industrial towns.
 Peel (as Home Secretary) also established the Metropolitan Police Force in London which led
to creation of smaller forced throughout the country – updated Hobbes justification for the state by asserting that ‘without security there can be no liberty’.