Ideas for an industrial age
By the middle of the 19th century, Europe was living with the after-effects of two great upheavals. The French Revolution (1789–99) had shown that a king could be overthrown, and industrialisation had left many workers facing poor living standards, terrible working conditions and periodic unemployment. Thinkers argued fiercely about what kind of society should come next.
Six sets of ideas stand out: anarchism, liberalism, Marxism, Social Darwinism, existentialism and secular humanism. They make most sense when you compare them directly. Ask the same four things of each one:
- What does it say about the state (government)?
- What does it say about property?
- How much does it value the individual compared with the group?
- What does it assume about human nature?
Keep in mind that in the 19th century most of these were theories on paper. Few had been tested as working systems of government.
The arguments rely on a set of political words. Try to define each one yourself first, then check against these.
A connected set of beliefs about how society, government and the economy should be organised.
The right or power to give orders, make decisions and expect to be obeyed.
Describes a ruler or government that demands strict obedience and places its own power above personal freedom.
Using force or control to hold people down, for example by censoring newspapers or banning protests.
Cruel, unjust and unchecked use of power by a ruler or government.
Rule by one person or a small group with total power, not answerable to voters or the law.
Freedoms or entitlements that belong to people, such as free speech or freedom of religion.
The right of every adult above a set age to vote, whatever their wealth or class.
An economic system in which private individuals and companies own property and businesses and run them for profit.
Penalties used to enforce rules, or to pressure a person, group or country into changing its behaviour.
An imagined perfect society.
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