Democracy has long been a driving force for change and revolution, particularly in the century following the Battle of Waterloo. Its demands for social and economic equality have often positioned it as a more extreme counterpart to liberalism. While both ideologies seek equality before the law and equal opportunities, democracy’s willingness to pursue rights even at the cost of economic leveling sets it apart. This distinction made democracy a more revolutionary and, at times, feared doctrine than liberalism in the 19th century.
The Fear of Radical Democracy
The conservative governments of Europe from 1815 to 1848 were haunted by two major fears: the resurgence of French power and the spread of radical democracy. The latter, known as the fear of Jacobinism, was particularly alarming as it threatened the established social order with its call for substantial economic and social reforms. This period saw liberals occasionally siding with conservatives to suppress democratic movements, reflecting a shared concern over the potential consequences of radical change.
Democracy vs. Liberalism in the 19th Century
While democracy and liberalism share some common goals, their approaches and ultimate objectives diverge significantly. Democrats went beyond the liberal demand for legal and opportunity equality by advocating for greater economic leveling. This was seen as a necessary step to secure rights for all, even if it meant challenging the existing economic structures. As a result, democracy was perceived as a more radical and unsettling ideology compared to liberalism during the first half of the 19th century.
Combating the Menace of Radical Ideals
The universal fear of Bolshevism after 1917 mirrors the earlier dread of radical democracy. In both instances, the potential for societal upheaval led to alliances between liberals and conservatives aimed at curbing the influence of these radical ideologies. Throughout history, there have been instances where liberals joined forces with conservatives to quash popular uprisings that espoused democratic principles, illustrating the perceived threat posed by such movements to the existing order.
Common Ground and Revolutionary Movements
Despite their differences, liberals and democrats found enough common ground to unite during key revolutionary movements, such as those in 1848 and 1871. Their shared opposition to conservative forces and the desire to shape government as an instrument of societal progress facilitated these alliances. Both groups were committed to advancing along a path that promised to redefine the role of government and expand the rights and freedoms of individuals within society.
Government as an Organ of Society
One of the shared aspirations of liberals and democrats was the transformation of government into an organ and agency of society. This vision entailed a government that would not only represent the people but also actively work to improve their conditions. This goal underpinned many of the collaborative efforts between these two groups, as they sought to dismantle conservative barriers and implement reforms that would lead to a more equitable and just society.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the fear of Jacobinism and radical democracy influence the political alliances between liberals and conservatives in the 19th century?
2. In what ways did the goals of democracy differ from those of liberalism, and how did this impact the perception of democracy as a more revolutionary doctrine?
3. What historical examples illustrate the cooperation between liberals and democrats, and what were the main factors that facilitated their alliances during revolutionary movements?