Questions : Explain any three beliefs of conservatism that emerged after 1815.
Answer:
- Preserving established institutions like the monarchy, the Church, property, and family.
- Modernizing traditional institutions to strengthen them, rather than returning to pre-revolutionary society.
- Abolishing feudalism and serfdom, replacing them with a modern army, an efficient bureaucracy, and a dynamic economy to strengthen autocratic monarchies in Europe.
Additional Information
After 1815, following the defeat of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna, conservatism emerged as a dominant political ideology in Europe. Conservatives aimed to restore traditional institutions and resist radical changes brought by the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
Three Key Beliefs of Conservatism:
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Preservation of Traditional Institutions:
- Conservatives believed in maintaining monarchy, aristocracy, and the Church as the pillars of society.
- They saw these institutions as essential for social order and stability.
- Leaders like Metternich of Austria worked to restore monarchies and suppress liberal movements.
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Opposition to Revolutionary Ideas:
- Conservatism rejected ideas like liberalism, democracy, and nationalism, which were seen as threats to stability.
- They opposed constitutional rule and individual rights, favoring hereditary power.
- The Congress of Vienna (1815) aimed to suppress revolutions and maintain the pre-1789 order.
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Support for a Hierarchical Society:
- Conservatives believed in a structured society where power remained in the hands of the nobility and clergy.
- They argued that rapid changes, like those seen during the French Revolution, led to chaos and disorder.
- Social classes were seen as natural and necessary for stability.
Conclusion:
Conservatism after 1815 was focused on restoring monarchies, resisting liberalism, and maintaining traditional social hierarchies. However, despite their efforts, nationalist and liberal movements continued to grow, leading to revolutions across Europe in 1830 and 1848.