The History of the Conservative Party
The History of the Conservative Party
SADNESS IS REBELLION
The Conservatives
“A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation” (Edmund Burke)
For more than two hundred years Conservative leaders have succeeded by being on the side of progressive change
1783 - William Pitt (the Younger)
Set the scene for the Tories becoming a genuinely powerful political force. Built up the navy and saved Britain from Napoleon. Inspired by Adam Smith, fought vested commercial interests and opened up Britain to free trade
1828 - Duke of Wellington
Catholic emancipation removing the worst political discrimination of the day
1834 Sir Robert Peel
His Tamworth Manifesto marked the birth of the modern Conservative Party. It set out the principles of moderate, progressive Conservatism, governing in the interests of all classes. Peel outlawed the employment of women and children in the mines. Introduced regulation of factory hours and public health. And repealed the Corn Laws, facing down the landed interests to cut food prices...
1868 - Benjamin Disraeli
“One Nation” Conservatism: social reform to “elevate the conditions of the people”. Introduced legislation enabling large-scale slum clearance. Gave the vote to working men in towns and cities. Public Health Act to tackle environmental impact of the Industrial Revolution.
1881 - Lord Salisbury
Championed local democracy and community action. Created and empowered county councils. Introduced free primary schooling. Creation of the Primrose League, ... bringing large numbers of women into politics for the first time.
1902 - Arthur Balfour
Declaration of Jewish homeland 1917
1923 - Stanley Baldwin
Comprehensive old age pension system. Unemployment benefits and Major house schemes. Better health provision through insurance for all. Men and women vote on equal terms.
1937 Neville Chamberlain
Introduced the Factory Act with restrictions on child labour and regulation to improve working conditions. Introduced rent controls for cheap housing. Compulsory public medical inspection. Holidays with the pay.
1940 - Sir Winston Churchill
Stood firm against fascism and helped saved the free world. 1944 Education Act: free schools for all. Committed the Conservative Party to support the NHS. Pledged massive expansion in home-building.
1955 - Anthony Eden
Clear Air Act: pioneering environmental regulation to banish city smogs.
1957 - Harold MacMillan
Built 300,000 new homes a year. Home ownership up from 30% to 50%. Standards of living up by 50%. 7,000 new schools were built.
1966 - Edward Heath
As Trade and Industry Secretary, abolished Retail Price Maintenance, championing consumer rights by ending price-fixing. Took Britain into the common market.
1975 - Margaret Thatcher
Inspired and led Britain’s economic revival. Abolished controls over pay and prices, abolished exchange controls, slashed penal tax rates. Restoring economic stability with tough decisions to control public spending and raise taxes in 1981 Budget. Democratised the trades unions. Property-owning democracy: right to buy for council homes. Share-owning democracy: rolling back the frontiers of the state. Restored national pride with victory in the Falklands War. Transformed Britain’s place in the world, helping to defeat communism and end the Cold War. Modernised the Party with professional campaigning and communications. Alerted the world to the challenge of climate change with landmark speech to the UN.
1990 - John Major
Initiated Northern Ireland peace process. Victory against Saddam Hussein. Created National Lottery, a lasting legacy for communities throughout Britain. Laid foundations for years of economic growth and low inflation.
1997 - William Hague
Helped save the pound.
2001 - Iain Duncan Smith
Renewed Conservative focus on social justice
2003 - Michael Howard
As Environment Secretary persuaded George Bush Senior to sign up to the Climate Change Convention, forerunner to Kyoto. As Home Secretary reformed criminal justice system and cut crime 18%. As Leader created disciplined fighting force for 2005 election.
In 2005 David Cameron
Emphasised social responsibility. Made the NHS his Number One priority. Proposed radical reforms of Parliament shifting control from the powerful to the powerless. David has brought change to the Party. And now fights to change Britain.
Conservative leaders
Progressive change through the centuries
SADNESS IS REBELLION
Mi sono preso la briga di trascrivere parola per parola il testo del video promozionale. Credo ne sia valsa la pena perchè riflette, nella comunicazione, la prospettiva politica con cui oggi il Conservative Party intende conquistare il voto degli elettori e tornare a Downing Street. I miei sentimenti al riguardo sono ambivalenti, ma prima di esprimermi vorrei leggere prima alcuni vostri giudizi in merito.
Mi permetto soltanto di sottolineare due cose. La prima riguarda l'immagine che oggi i conservatori intendono dare di sè e che è quella del "cambiamento progressivo". Un cambiamento che, afferma Burke, è alla base della conservazione stessa.
La seconda riguarda l'utilizzo ostentato di termini come "change", "progress", "modern", "social" e l'immagine di un uomo dalla faccia pulita, sbarbato, con la camicia bianca e la cravatta blu. Vi ricorda qualcuno?
SADNESS IS REBELLION
temi l'obamizzazione dei Tories?