This book provides a range of essays on aspects of the British Conservative Party from the late 19th century to the present day. It offers fresh perspectives on Margaret Thatcher and Thatcherism; Britain and Europe; UK policy towards Ireland; Conservatism and reform, and the conservative ideology, to name only a few of the key issues explored. An accessible and concise overview, this book is an important primer for anyone studying British politics, history, or social and political theory. Included are contributions by leading scholars in British political history, think tank commentators, and a former Prime Minister. It offers insights into the Conservative Party's staying power in spite of great social and political changes in the UK and the world. It looks at how the party has functioned historically and what its future might be, discussing its ideology and identity with reference to both Labour and Liberal opponents. Fundamentally it considers the conservative appeal to the electorate, conservative policy in both theory and practice, and debates that have taken place within and outside the party itself. Whether interested in Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, or David Cameron and Nick Clegg, this work is intended to inform and challenge scholars and political practitioners alike.
This book provides a range of essays on aspects of the British Conservative Party from the late 19th century to the present day. It offers fresh perspectives on Margaret Thatcher and Thatcherism; Britain and Europe; UK policy towards Ireland; Conservatism and reform, and the conservative ideology, to name only a few of the key issues explored. An accessible and concise overview, this book is an important primer for anyone studying British politics, history, or social and political theory. Included are contributions by leading scholars in British political history, think tank commentators, and a former Prime Minister. It offers insights into the Conservative Party's staying power in spite of great social and political changes in the UK and the world. It looks at how the party has functioned historically and what its future might be, discussing its ideology and identity with reference to both Labour and Liberal opponents. Fundamentally it considers the conservative appeal to the electorate, conservative policy in both theory and practice, and debates that have taken place within and outside the party itself. Whether interested in Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, or David Cameron and Nick Clegg, this work is intended to inform and challenge scholars and political practitioners alike.
Acknowledgements
Foreword
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Carrington KG GCMG CH MC PC DL
Contributor information
Introduction
Bradley W. Hart
Origins of modern conservatism
Foundations of the modern Conservative Party
Section 1: The Conservative Ideal
The Principles of British Conservatism from Balfour to Heath,
c.1910-1975
Stuart Ball
The Conservative Dialectic of Margaret Thatcher’s First Term
Kieron O’Hara
Section 2: The Conservatives and the Union
Tory Rebels and Tory Democracy: The Ulster Crisis, 1900-1914
Robert Saunders
The Conservative Party and the Irish Question, c. 1885-2010
Alan Macleod
Section 3: Looking Beyond Westminster
Machinations of the centre-right and British Engagement with the
Pan-European Ideal, 1929-1948
Richard Carr and Bradley W. Hart
The Conservatives and local government: reform, localism and the
Big Society since 1888
Steven Howell
Section 4: Conservatism and Party Politics
Coalition Blues: The Conservatives, the Liberals and
Conservative-Liberal Coalitions in Britain since 1895
Chris Wrigley
How to Put ‘the People First’: Conservative Conceptions of Reform
Before and After the Second World War
Richard Carr
Section 5: The future of Conservatism
The Limits of Power: Conservative Experience and Opportunity
The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH ACIB
Neo-Orthodoxy: Conservative Economic Policy in the Twenty-First
Century
Irwin Stelzer
Conclusion – Where next?
Bradley W. Hart and Richard Carr
Index
A concise survey of the ideology, structure, and evolution of the British Conservative Party from the 19th century to the Cameron administration.
Richard Carr is a Research Fellow in history at Anglia
Ruskin University.
Bradley W. Hart is a lecturer at California State University,
Fresno.
The subject of this work is of importance to all interested in
British politics – whether supportive of the Conservatives or not.
This book, in helping stimulate discussion about where the party
has been, enriches our understanding of where the party may go
next. I commend it to broad attention.
*Endorsement*
This thought-provoking collection unites leading experts, new
researchers and an elder statesman to reconsider Britain's oldest
surviving political party. Ideal reading for students and
politicians alike.
*Endorsement*
Understanding the UK Conservative Party, its past, present and
future is of utmost relevance to all those studying British
politics. This contribution represents an impressive array of
views, is timely, and will most certainly have lasting value for
those considering politicians from Winston Churchill to Margaret
Thatcher.
*Endorsement*
A varied collection of chapters... all of which have enough about
them to engage the interest of readers keen either to find out more
about the Conservative Party’s history or to test what they think
they know already against a fresh take or two. Useful to anyone
teaching courses on the Conservatives and conservatism, whether
they ply their trade in Politics or History, [and] a collection
that is well worth reading...for anyone with an interest in all
things Conservative.
*Twentieth Century British History, Tim Bale, Queen Mary University
of London, UK*
It is pleasing that this volume provides a particularly insightful,
readable and relevant collection of essays on the ideological and
historical foundations of the British Conservative Party.
*Political Studies Review Volume 13, Issue 2*
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