Liberalism And Conservatism In The 19th Century

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A historian once wrote that the 19th century was “a time of bitter conflict, as the world of the past fought to remain alive.” During the 19th century, there was an emergence of the political ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Liberalism sought to limit the government, preserve individual freedom and believed in the hierarchy of merit. Conservatism attempted to preserve the existing order and believed in tradition over reason. Socialists believed in strengthening parliaments and the working class to bolster laborers. All three of these political ideologies vastly impacted the 19th century and the preceding quote helps describe how the world remained alive through all of these conflicting and emerging ideologies. Liberals during the 19th century were citizens who argued …show more content…

Conservatism was an ideology in which people had ideas and beliefs to preserve the current order. Conservatives believed in tradition over reason and in the hierarchy of birth rather than liberals, who believed in the hierarchy of merit. Conservatives believed in security and stability as well. One of their great leaders, Otto von Bismarck, created social programs, health programs, and guaranteed retirement programs for society. Conservatives believed that being loyal to the state will insure that you will be protected by the state. A conservative at this time would have favored tradition and critical proposals for radical social change. They believed that the government should provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Industrialization declined the popularity of conservatism in the 19th century because it strengthened the middle class and created a new industrial working class. Conservatives had to establish majorities in parliament, so they could hold power. Conservatism attempted to preserve the hierarchy of order and valued tradition over