DISRAELIAN CONSERVATISM Wikispaces迪斯累里的保守Wikispaces.pptVIP

DISRAELIAN CONSERVATISM “The Two Nations” Sybil, or The Two Nations, 1845 England was “two nations between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each others habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different planets: the rich and the poor”. Influenced by 1789 and by other uprisings. Conclusion: England ought to be one nation. Prevents discontent, unrest, and revolution. “Reform to Preserve” Option 1: Social Change Remove some of the grosser injustices of society. Masses happier and grateful to the Conservatives. Avoids revolution. Difficult to persuade his party of the merits, but eventually managed. Examples of Social Reform Largely thanks to Cross, social reform occurs. Artisans Dwellings Act, 1875 Public Health Act, 1875 Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1876 Education Act, 1876 Climbing Boys Act, 1876 Interesting Fact Disraeli’s method of approach to social change varied. Sometimes painted it as ‘one-upmanship’ against Gladstone Sometimes as ‘reform to preserve’ Sometimes as a heartfelt commitment Mainly depended on who he was addressing Problems and Reaction Lack of inspiration from Disraeli – not his area Mainly developed or altered Liberal ideas Key difference – much legislation permissive Well received – “the Conservative party have done more for the working classes in five years than the Liberals have in fifty” – Alexander MacDonald Foreign and Imperial Policy Option 2: Bring country together through imperial affairs Disraeli’s main interest Celebrate glory of Empire Royal Titles Act Suez Canal Crisis 11 Victoria Crosses at Rourke’s Drift Enhance British standing abroad Eastern Crisis and Congress of Berlin Problems and Reaction The stakes were higher – potential for disaster greater (Afghanistan, Isandhlwana) Necessarily had to rely on regional administrators, such as Sir Bartle Frere / Lord Chelmsford But potential for glory also greater Eastern Crisis (“Peace With Honour”)