One nation conservatism

• This emerged as a pragmatic response to industrialisation in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• It was more about pragmatism - looking for flexible, evolving solutions to problems.
• Key thinkers:

  1. Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)
  2. Harold Macmillan (1894-1986)
• State and Economy:

  Believed that the state should play a more active role in maintaining social cohesion, extending rights and reducing inequalities.

  1. Disraeli - wrote a book called 'the two nations', in this he named the increasing gap between rich and the poor was in danger of splitting Britain into two nations. State needed to introduce reforms. He wrote "the palace is not safe if the cottage is not happy. Believed the state has a duty to 'elevate the people'.
  2. Macmillan - supported a more interventionist state. Believed a mixed economy would allow the state to provide equality of opportunity for its citizens. His vision for a welfare state included pursuit of full employment, high levels of redistribution, live taxation. fund services like healthcare, education and housing
• Society:

  Macmillan believed that society should be underpinned by the principle of equality of opportunity.

  • society is organic
  • hierarchy and paternalism help to promote social order
  • similarities between Burkes noblesse oblige and one nation calls for the state to improve living standard.
• Human nature:

  Humans are capable of fulfilling their potential if they are given opportunities but they need some help from the state.

  1. Disraeli - 'two nations' book - rich and poor, afraid of splitting Britain into two nations
  2. Macmillan - full employment, healthcare, education and housing