This paper describes the reasons why the dominant political ideology of 19th century Europe was conservative as opposed to liberal capitalist or communist. This paper describes the reasons Europe wanted to return to an old traditional society instead of continuing towards a more enlightened, liberal society in the first half of the 19th century.
From the Paper:
"After the Defeat of Emperor Napoleon I in 1813 and his subsequent exile in 1815, Europe was at an end of three decades of political upheaval, continental war, and economic struggle. With Europe's victory over France came the recoil of the liberal ideological politics that had eroded the stability of modern Europe. Hundreds of thousands of people had been slain and the political and hierarchical traditions had been forever broken. "His conquests displaced a number of laws, institutions, and customs; broke through bonds sacred among all nations" (Perry, 153). The consequences of the Enlightenments rational thought was believed to have had been fully realized by conservatives. Europe had paid the penalty for their abandonment of tradition and religion for individualism and reason."
More papers on Conservatism in 19th Century England:
Conservatism in 19th Century England (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 08, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Essay-Conservatism-in-19th-Century-England/59681