5.2.2 One-Nation Conservatism: Adapting to Capitalism

Context and Historical Background

Emergence of Capitalism and Social Discontent

• The Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and early 19th centuries brought about significant economic, social, and political changes in Britain. The rapid growth of capitalism led to increased urbanization, the rise of a new industrial working class, and stark social inequalities.
• The laissez-faire capitalism of the time was characterized by minimal state intervention, which resulted in harsh working conditions, poor living standards for the working class, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor.
• Traditional conservatism, with its emphasis on hierarchy, order, and the preservation of existing social structures, was increasingly seen as inadequate to address the new challenges posed by industrialization and capitalism.

The Need for a New Conservative Approach

• In response to the social upheaval and the growing discontent among the working class, there was recognition among some conservatives that a new approach was necessary to maintain social stability and prevent revolution.
• One-Nation Conservatism emerged as a pragmatic adaptation of traditional conservative principles to the changing social and economic landscape. It sought to address the needs of the working class while preserving the established social hierarchy.

Foundations of One-Nation Conservatism

Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)

• Benjamin Disraeli, a key figure in the development of One-Nation Conservatism, was a Conservative Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1868, 1874–1880). He is often credited with coining the term "One Nation" to describe his vision of a society united across class divisions.
• Disraeli was deeply concerned about the growing divide between the rich and the poor, famously describing Britain as "two nations" – the rich and the poor – living in separate worlds with little understanding or empathy for each other.

"The palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy."

• Disraeli emphasized the idea that the well-being of the nation depended on addressing the needs of all social classes, not just the elite.

Core Principles of One-Nation Conservatism

• Social Reform: Disraeli believed that the ruling class had a responsibility to address the social issues caused by capitalism, including poverty, poor housing, and lack of education. He argued that social reform was necessary to prevent social unrest and maintain national unity.
• Paternalism: One-Nation Conservatism retained the traditional conservative principle of paternalism, where the wealthy and privileged had a duty to care for those less fortunate. This was seen as a way to ensure social harmony and stability.
• Pragmatism: Disraeli and later One-Nation conservatives advocated for pragmatic solutions to social and economic problems, rather than rigid adherence to ideological principles. This meant accepting the need for state intervention in the economy and society to address inequalities.

Disraeli's Reforms

• Reform Act 1867: Disraeli played a key role in the passage of the Second Reform Act, which extended the right to vote to a larger portion of the working-class men. This was a significant step toward democratization and a recognition of the political importance of the working class.
• Social Legislation: Disraeli's government introduced various social reforms, including the Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act 1875, which aimed to improve housing conditions for the working class, and the Public Health Act 1875, which sought to address public health issues in rapidly growing industrial towns.

Evolution of One-Nation Conservatism

Interwar Period and Post-War Consensus

• The principles of One-Nation Conservatism continued to influence British politics into the 20th century. During the interwar period, Conservative leaders like Stanley Baldwin embraced One-Nation principles, advocating for social harmony and gradual reform.
• After World War II, the Conservative Party, under leaders like Harold Macmillan, accepted many aspects of the welfare state established by the Labour government. This period, known as the "Post-War Consensus", saw the Conservatives supporting policies such as the National Health Service (NHS) and state-led economic planning.

Harold Macmillan (1894–1986)

• Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, was a key proponent of One-Nation Conservatism in the post-war era. He advocated for a mixed economy, combining private enterprise with state intervention, and supported social welfare programs to reduce inequality.

"Most of our people have never had it so good."

• Macmillan's government presided over a period of economic growth and rising living standards, which he used to argue that One-Nation policies were effective in promoting national prosperity and social cohesion.

Decline and Resurgence

• The rise of Margaret Thatcher in the late 1970s marked a shift away from One-Nation Conservatism, as she promoted free-market policies and reduced state intervention. This era of Thatcherism emphasized individualism, competition, and a reduction in the welfare state.
• However, One-Nation Conservatism did not disappear entirely. In recent years, figures like David Cameron and Theresa May have sought to revive elements of One-Nation Conservatism, particularly in their emphasis on social responsibility and the need to address social inequalities.

Key Scholars and Thinkers

Edmund Burke (1729–1797)

• Although not a One-Nation Conservative himself, Burke's ideas on tradition, hierarchy, and gradual reform influenced the development of One-Nation Conservatism.

"A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation."

• Burke's emphasis on cautious, evolutionary change laid the groundwork for One-Nation principles.

Michael Oakeshott (1901–1990)

• A conservative philosopher who emphasized the importance of tradition and the limitations of rationalism in politics. Oakeshott's ideas support the pragmatic and cautious approach of One-Nation Conservatism.

"To be conservative, then, is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried..."

• Oakeshott's skepticism of radical change aligns with the One-Nation emphasis on gradual reform.

R. A. Butler (1902–1982)

• Known as the "Father of the Post-War Consensus", Butler was a key figure in the Conservative Party during the mid-20th century. He played a significant role in shaping One-Nation policies, particularly in education and social welfare.

Impact and Legacy

• Social Unity: One-Nation Conservatism sought to bridge the gap between different social classes, promoting a sense of national unity. This approach was seen as essential to maintaining social order and preventing the rise of radical ideologies.
• Adaptation to Capitalism: By acknowledging the challenges posed by capitalism and the need for state intervention, One-Nation Conservatism represented a significant adaptation of traditional conservative principles to modern industrial society.
• Enduring Influence: Although its prominence has fluctuated over time, One-Nation Conservatism remains an influential strand within the Conservative Party, particularly during periods of social or economic crisis when the need for social cohesion is emphasized.