Nineteenth century Europe saw the emergence of several powerful ideologies — socialism, nationalism, liberalism, conservatism — that would radically change the nature of politics and society. Using any two of these, write an essay comparing how these ideologies differ in their understanding of political power, the nature of the individual, and the character of society. You may focus on culture, economics, language, or whichever category or categories you find most interesting.
How should I start this essay what are some of the best/easiest topic to write about
Research and plan (outline) your entire essay before beginning to write anything. Definitely DON'T begin with the introduction!
Here are some ideas for planning and writing:
http://guidetogrammar.org/grammar/composition/comparison.htm
From http://guidetogrammar.org/grammar/index2.htm
To start your essay, it is important to choose the two ideologies you will be comparing and analyzing. In this case, you have a range of options including socialism, nationalism, liberalism, and conservatism. Since the prompt asks you to compare their understanding of political power, the nature of the individual, and the character of society, it would be helpful to select two ideologies that differ significantly in these areas.
One possible combination could be socialism and liberalism. Here's how you can proceed with your essay using these ideologies:
Introduction:
Begin by providing a brief overview of the 19th-century Europe and the emergence of powerful ideologies such as socialism and liberalism. State the purpose of your essay, mentioning that you will explore the differences between these two ideologies regarding their understanding of political power, the nature of the individual, and the character of society.
Body Paragraph 1: Understanding of Political Power
Start by explaining the socialist perspective on political power. Discuss how socialism advocates for collective ownership and control over the means of production, aiming for a classless society where power is distributed among the working class. You can mention influential socialist thinkers like Karl Marx and their ideas regarding the seizure of political power by the proletariat.
Next, move on to the liberal understanding of political power. Explain how liberalism emphasizes individual rights and limited government intervention. Discuss ideas of classical liberals like John Locke, who believed in the consent of the governed and the protection of individual liberties through constitutional and representative systems.
Compare and contrast the socialist and liberal perspectives on political power, highlighting their fundamental differences in ownership, control, and distribution of power.
Body Paragraph 2: Nature of the Individual and Character of Society
Focus on the socialist view of the individual and society in the context of 19th-century Europe. Discuss how socialism prioritizes the collective over individual interests, aiming for economic equality and the eradication of social hierarchies. Elaborate on the socialist critique of capitalism, which they saw as exploitative and dehumanizing.
Shift to the liberal understanding of the individual and society. Explain how liberals emphasize individual rights, personal freedom, and the protection of civil liberties. Discuss the ideas of liberal thinkers like John Stuart Mill, who advocated for individual autonomy and the pursuit of happiness.
Compare and contrast the socialist and liberal perspectives on the nature of the individual and the character of society, highlighting their differing notions of economic systems, social hierarchies, and the role of the state in ensuring individual and collective well-being.
Conclusion:
Summarize the main points discussed in the essay, emphasizing the differences between socialism and liberalism regarding political power, the nature of the individual, and the character of society. Remind the reader of the significant impact that these ideologies had on politics and society in 19th-century Europe.
Remember, this is just one possible approach. You can also explore other combinations of ideologies, depending on your interest and the categories you find most compelling.