West European Studies

Why were Enlightenment History and Political Economy so dear to the hearts of Eighteen Century Britons

The British enlightenment occurred in the 18th century and was characterized by various social, scientific and intellectual accomplishments. These had varied implications on the wellbeing of the Britons and changed their way of life in different ways. Of great importance however was the characteristic power of reason that was instilled in the population. This can be considered to have spearheaded various developments that made this population to assume an elevated niche in the society in almost all domains. Equally important was their ideal political economy that was augmented by a stable economy. Indeed, it can not be disputed that the ability to source for sufficient economic resources enabled Britons to cater for their economic concerns with ease. It this consideration therefore, it can be argued that compared to other factors that characterize development, the implications of the enlightenment and ideal political economy were invaluable to the wellbeing of the Britons.

For instance, irrespective of the fact that the industrial revolution had enabled the population to realize numerous economic benefits, their viability, sustainability and effectiveness in enhancing the wellbeing of the Britons and improving their quality of life was undermined by the lack of intellectual ability. Notably, this is imperative in sustainable decision making. It is in this respect that this paper seeks to explore the reasons that made the eighteenth century Britons to perceive the enlightenment history and poetical economy vitally imperative in their wellbeing.

Notably, intellectual growth was at the core of the enlightenment. Through consistent education and awareness creation, Britons developed vital critical and analytic skills that enhanced their reasoning power. Thus they gained useful insights regarding the ability to think and make vital decisions. Coyle contends that this had a great impact on the wellbeing of the Britons because it enabled them to overcome the implications of superstition and religious beliefs and dogmas that had initially confined them to a specific way of thinking. This freedom of thought is posited to have created a considerable degree of openness in decision making. At this point, OBrien asserts that having successfully embraced the implications of the industrial revolution, the enlightenment enabled the Britons to uphold democracy.

Among the aspects that underwent various changes as a result of employment of reason in thinking were the twin issues of governance and authority. Initially, Braddick indicates that the mode of governance in Britain was largely Aristotelian. Reasoning empowered the population to reject any form of authority and governance that was not justified by reason. The entire population assumed ideals that enabled it to co exist in harmony with nature as well as the rest of the population. The assumption of these important ideals was particularly instrumental in enhancing the productivity of the society. Coupled with the economic benefits of the industrial revolution, the enlightenment can be considered a factor that contributed significantly to the stability of Britain. In his review, Robertson cites that the power of reason distinguished the Britons from the rest of the Europe and enabled them to assume an elevated niche in various social and economic domains at that particular period of time. It is because they employed the chief values and virtues that had been identified through reason. The subsequent improvement was beneficial both to the individuals and the society as a whole.

This improved the esteem of this population as they were perceived to be more informed than the rest of Europe. Robertson indicates that the spill over effects were elemental in introducing similar values and virtues not only in Europe but also in regions across the Atlantic and in the Diaspora. For instance, historical evidence ascertains that various social and technological developments that were introduced in America during the 18th and 19th centuries were done by the Britons.

Most importantly, Wallace points out that the enlightenment contributed significantly to the approval of the freedom of speech and media in Britain. This culminated in effective expression of the population about various issues that were both social and intellectual in nature. Further, this gave them a chance to participate actively in governance. At this juncture, Coyle asserts that this contributed to the formulation and enforcement of sustainable policies by the empire. Specifically, they reflected the views of the natives and addressed various concerns accordingly. It is in this consideration that studies ascertain that comparatively, the Britons had the best form of governance that the rest of Europe at that particular time.

Perhaps of great importance was the establishment of learning institutions in the region. In this regard, studies ascertain that numerous learning institutions were established not only in the region but across Europe too. Considering the fact that the Britons were perceived to be more enlightened and informed than the rest of Europeans, studies ascertain that they were allowed to offer their services in distinguished learning institutions in the region. This not only improved their quality of life but it also had beneficial economic implications on the British Empire. Specifically, Braddick shows that these economic benefits were attributed to the fact that the Britons introduced the very first education system that was employed across Europe. They were comprised of relative intellectual benefits and the opportunity to enjoy free trade in Europe. In addition, it is indicated that the enlightenment enabled the Britons to probe the relations that had been initially taken for granted. In particular, it is indicated that they were able to re establish their traditional relations with France who later considered them as their pioneers.

As indicated earlier, the political economy of the Britons was also held in very high regard by the same. Historical evidence ascertains that the political economy of the Britons was greatly influenced by the prepositions of Adam Smith regarding the wealth of nations. Essentially, this advocated for holistic accumulation of wealth by a nation and provided various economic policies that would enable the nation to acquire this status. These ideals enabled the British government to formulate and enforce viable economic policies that enhanced the economic development of the nation. This was augmented by the characteristic political stability that enabled the same to carry out relative activities with ease. In addition, the implications of the enlightenment enabled it to trade with various partners in Europe without having to deal with the changes of trade barriers. Most importantly, the diversification of their economy contributed significantly to the development of a strong economic base that enhanced stability.

In this regard, the Britons did not entirety depend on Agricultural production, rather they equally invested heavily in merchandise. The stable political conditions in their country provided a viable environment for trade. These also provided an ideal environment for the emergent scientists and inventors who were working relentlessly towards improving the modes of production. Consequently, they had a chance to benefit optimally from the various inventions that characterized the 18th century. In addition, the resultant capital enabled them to secure markets in oversea countries, ahead of their other competitors in Europe.

Further, Wallace indicates that the availability of capital enabled them to secure sufficient labor for their production. This prospective economic environment was valued by the Britons because just like the enlightenment, it gave them an upper hand in various developments. This then gave them the influence that they required to reap optimally from the ideal environment. Before the period of the enlightenment Coyle affirms that the Britons had already established a strong economic base for their nation. Comparatively, this gave them an upper hand in economic concerns, above their counterparts that were still grappling with the implications of the wars that had been fought in the Diaspora.

Further, it is indicated that the British mode of governance was characterized by transparency and accountability. As such, it was able to appropriate the rising revenue with ease. This was done effectively and irrespective of the fact that it was extraordinarily high, it did not provoke any tax revolts. Various factors were to be attributed to this. To begin with, studies contend that the expanded economic base as well as its characteristic growth widened the tax base. Furthermore, Winch and Patrick cite that the officials had the expertise of determining the tax value of various goods that were traded both at the local and international level. Finally, the ideal political environment that agreed to the economic conditions also contributed to the enforcement of this policy beyond the British borders. The interplay of these factors played a critical role in enhancing the economic productivity of the country.

Conclusion
From the preceding analysis, it is certain that the enlightenment and the political economy of the British contributed to the wellbeing of the Britons in various ways. Historical evidence has affirmed that the enlightenment enabled the Britons to view productivity and economic wellbeing from the perspective of reason. This was characterized by critical thinking and governed by moral values and virtues. It enabled the population to not only enhance production at an individual level but also at the societal level. In addition, this made the Britons to make various inventions that were both socially and economically rewarding. The resultant condition made them to be perceived in high regard by the rest of Europe.

Consequently this gave them an upper hand in almost all spheres. The characteristic influence then enabled them to stay ahead of the rest of the Europeans in economic, social and intellectual prosperity. Likewise, the political economy of the Britons was also ideal. In this respect, it can be ascertained that it gave the empire a chance to empower its individuals. This was achieved by providing viable social, economic and political environments for growth. It is in this consideration that this paper ascertains that the enlightenment and political economy of the Britons contributed significantly to their holistic growth and development. This explains why they held the same in very high regard.