John Malcolm Ludlow and the Christian socialist movement, 1848-1852

Abstract

The thesis contains an investigation of the roll played by John Malcolm Ludlow in the formation of the Christian Socialist movement in England between 1848 and 1852. Ludlow, with Frederick Denison Maurice and Charles Kingsley, both Anglican clergymen, was appalled at the condition of the working classes in England at mid-century, but opposed to the political remedies proposed by the Chartists. By 1850, after much searching, the three men, with a small group of followers, decided upon a practical method of extending Christianity to Socialism. They established producers' associations made up of working men who were willing to try an alternative to capitalism that would be a reconciling rather than a destructive force in English society. An overview of the entire thesis is contained in the first chapter.

The movement evolved from the turmoil suffered by England as a result of the Industrial Revolution. A great reform era began in the 1820's as England was recovering from the wars of the French Revolution. The second chapter of the paper is an explanation of events that led to the condition of England in 1848.

In 1848, Ludlow and his friends published their first newspaper. It is from this newspaper and other publications by the Christian Socialists that the greater part of the information for this thesis has come. Therefore, the thesis deals in depth with the philosophy propounded by Ludlow, first in the 1848 publication, "Politics for the People," later in "Tracts on Christian Socialism" and finally in the "Christian Socialist: A Journal of Association," the last united contribution by the Christian Socialists.

Investigation into the publications of the Christian Socialists reveals the evolution of their philosophy and the part played by John Ludlow. In addition to the chapters devoted to the literary efforts of Ludlow and his friends, connecting chapters deal with the group's activities. Chapter 3 introduces the main figures in the movement and Chapter 5 discusses their search for a cause after the demise of "Politics for the People." Since the "Tracts on Christian Socialism" emerged from their new organization devoted to promoting working men's associations, Chapter 6 includes the formation of the Society.

After a discussion of "The Christian Socialist: A Journal of Association," the thesis treats the influence of Ludlow and his compatriots on the passage of enabling legislation for the Co-operative Movement. Following the chapter recounting this great triumph of the Christian Socialists, the paper turns to the critics who disapproved of their activities, the responses made to the criticism by Ludlow and others . Criticism from without and dissention within led to the dissolution of the organization of Christian Socialists. The final chapter contains an analysis which probes the causes for failure and then turns to a general evaluation of Ludlow, his relationship with Maurice, his philosophy of Christianity and Socialism and his success in attaining his goals. Included in the summary is a survey of Ludlow's shortcomings which account in part for the demise of the organization known as the Christian Socialists.