Explain any three

European governments were driven by the spirit of Conservatism after the defeat of Napoleon in 1815.

1. Conservatives believed that established, traditional institutions of state and society-the Church, social hierarchies, property and family-should be preserved.

2. They also realized that modernization could strengthen traditional institutions like the monarchy and a return to the society of the pre-revolutionary days was not required. This could, eventually, contribute towards making state power more effective and strong.

3. The belief that abolition of feudalism and serfdom, replacing it with a modern army, an efficient bureaucracy and a strong economy could strengthen the autocratic monarchies of Europe.

NOTE – Conservatism as an ideology emerged in Europe after Napoleon was defeated by the allied forces- Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Conservatism, in basic terms, refers to a set of beliefs that gave importance to traditional practices and wanted change in a gradual manner. (Not radical in approach)