The Foundations of the British Conservative Party: Essays on Conservatism from Lord Salisbury to David Cameron

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.

A concise survey of the ideology, structure, and evolution of the British Conservative Party from the 19th century to the Cameron administration.

David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, is now at the helm of the first coalition government in the UK since WWII. His 2010 victory came after great efforts to change his party's image, moving it away from Margaret Thatcher's pro-privatization rhetoric and asserting that it was "the party of the NHS" and the advocate of the "Big Society."This collection of essays, written by leading scholars in British political history, 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. Organized around key themes such as the conservative ideal, conservatism and the imperial outlook, party politics, and the impact of Thatcherism, the essays examine how conservatism has remained relevant and what it means to be conservative today.An accessible, concise overview, the book will be a primer for anyone studying British politics and political history.

Richard Carr is a postdoctoral lecturer in history at the University of East Anglia. Bradley Hart recently completed his Doctorate at Churchill College, Cambridge, UK.Bradley Hart recently completed his Doctorate at Churchill College, Cambridge, UK.

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 Thatchers First Term
Kieron OHara

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