Opposition to Classical Liberalism

Classical liberalism was more concerned with industrial efficiency and the accumulation of private wealth than it was with equality  as a result many opponents of this ideology emerged Luddites – textile workers who broke into factories in Britain and destroyed technology that they worried was going to replace manual labour  classic example of reactionary conservatism Chartists – the first mass labour movement in the world, active in Britain , sought political reforms such as: –Universal suffrage for men (w/o property qualifications), secret ballot, annual elections

Socialism – an ideology that believes collectivist values should be the foundation for political, economic and social life and resources should be controlled by the public rather than private individuals Socialism developed as a response to the inequality of laissez-faire capitalism, but is more collectivist than modern liberalism.

Utopia – an ideal society, a perfect world (opposite is dystopia) Utopian socialism: –Charles Fourier, Robert Owen –Earliest beginnings of socialist thought, emphasized humanitarianism –Attempted social experiments (on the community level) to address the problems of the Industrial Revolution. –Based on co-operation and group welfare –Favored peaceful change

Key Values of Socialism Collective interest and the “greater good” or “common good” is more important than self-interest Collective responsibility – society (through actions of gov’t) needs to look after needs of citizens Economic equality – even distribution of wealth in society, elimination of distinct social classes Public property – gov’t should own major industries and profits from publicly-owned business should be redistributed throughout society (social programs) –Private ownership of the means of production leads to exploitation

MARXISM Also known as scientific socialism or communism Karl Marx viewed human history as a constant struggle between social classes (ex: rich vs. poor, etc.)  The Communist Manifesto (1848) Bourgeoisie – business owners, middle class and upper class Proletariat – workers, lower class

"Marxism taught me what society was. I was like a blindfolded man in a forest, who doesn't even know where north or south is. If you don't eventually come to truly understand the history of the class struggle, or at least have a clear idea that society is divided between the rich and the poor, and that some people subjugate and exploit other people, you're lost in a forest, not knowing anything.“ - Fidel Castro, former Cuban leader (describing his discovery of Marxism)

Key idea: - because of profit motive, capitalism always leads the bourgeoisie to exploit workers who never receive the full benefits of their labour Violent revolution led by workers was needed to overthrow capitalism, this should be an international movement of ALL workers Abolition of private ownership, nationalization (state ownership) of means of production Free education and guarantees of work for all, abolition of child labour Goal: creation of a classless society where (in theory) the state itself would eventually cease to exist  Fig. 4.6 on p. 136 Marxism influenced the development of command economies in the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea.

Classical conservatism – reactionary ideology that argues gov’t should ensure the stability of society through a hierarchical structure and loyalty to traditions Edmund Burke – preserving societal institutions is gov’ts duty, change could not be dictated by present generation of citizens Other key ideas: - people are NOT fundamentally equal, gov’t should be chosen by a limited electorate only, emphasis on law and order Classical conservatives viewed the French Revolution’s emphasis on equality, individualism, and freedom as too radical (and objected esp. to the Reign of Terror)