The liberals, radicals, and conservatives were three distinct political groups with different ideologies especially relevant in the context of 19th-century Europe and the Russian Revolution.
- Liberals believed in changing society to tolerate all religions, safeguard individual rights against government, and establish a representative parliamentary government. However, they supported voting rights mainly for propertied men and opposed women's suffrage.
- Radicals pushed for more extensive democratic reforms , supporting majority rule, opposing privileges of landowners and factory owners, and advocating for women's right to vote. They wanted government based on the majority population and less concentration of wealth and privileges.
- Conservatives opposed both liberals and radicals initially resisting any change. Over time, especially after the French Revolution, they accepted gradual change but believed in preserving social hierarchy, monarchy (like the Tsar in Russia), and existing traditions. They valued respect for the past and slow, controlled reform rather than revolutionary change.
In summary:
- Liberals favored reform yet limited suffrage and protection of property rights.
- Radicals favored majority democracy, reduced aristocratic privileges, and women’s suffrage.
- Conservatives favored tradition, monarchy, and slow or no change.
These groups had varying influences during the political struggles of the 19th and early 20th centuries including the Russian Revolution and broader European societal changes, with liberals and radicals often pushing for more democratic reforms, and conservatives defending established power structures and traditions.
