Radicalism is a political philosophy that emphasizes the need to find and eliminate the basic injustices of society. The word radicalism comes from the Latin word radix, meaning root. Radicals seek what they consider the roots of the economic, political, and social wrongs of society and demand immediate and sweeping changes to wipe them out.
In the United States, many people regard radicals as political extremists who tend to use violence in support of their cause. But the political meaning of the word radical has changed over time and varies from country to country. For example, in the mid-1900’s, radicals in Western Europe were committed to the establishment of socialist states. But in the late 1900’s, radicals in Eastern Europe sought to overthrow existing socialist governments. In addition, the radicals of one generation may be seen as conservatives by the next generation.
In Europe,
modern radicalism began with the French Revolution (1789-1799), in which radicals executed the king and queen and created a republic. Even though the French republic eventually fell and the monarchy was restored, the French Revolution inspired radicals for years to come. During the 1800’s, many European radicals took the French Revolution as their model and tried to establish republics in their own countries.
The term radical came into general use in the United Kingdom during the early 1800’s. It described reform demands by such political leaders as Charles James Fox. In 1797, Fox demanded what he called “radical reform” to make Britain’s political system more democratic. During the 1800’s, the British philosopher Jeremy Bentham led a group called “philosophical radicals.” He believed all legislation should aim to provide the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Several European radicals established the socialist movement and demanded the total reconstruction of society. During the late 1800’s, the movement split into moderate and radical factions. The moderate socialists sought change through gradual reform. The radical socialists insisted that only revolution could reform society. In Russia, the moderates were called Mensheviks and the radicals Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks seized power in 1917 and set up a Communist government.
In the United States,
the followers of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury, opposed the French Revolution. They used the term radicals for the pro-French followers of Thomas Jefferson. In the years before and during the American Civil War (1861-1865), radical abolitionists called for the end of slavery. Other radicals demanded cheap land, prohibition of alcoholic beverages, voting reforms, and women’s rights.
After the Civil War, Radical Republicans sought a “hard peace” for the defeated South (see Reconstruction ). During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, left-wing radical groups included the Knights of Labor, the Populists, and the Socialists.
American radicals, unlike European radicals, have never been able to establish a major political party. However, radicals in the United States have influenced national politics through their writings and speeches. They also have organized third parties that have often gained enough support to force the major parties to pass reform legislation. Such legislation has included the income tax, government regulation of industry, and social welfare programs.
Radicalism became increasingly prominent in the United States during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Radicals marched, held rallies, and burned draft records in protest of the Vietnam War (1957-1975). Radical “black power” activists, believing that the goals and tactics of the civil rights movement were too moderate, became more active. Some radical feminists wished to overthrow male-dominated institutions or separate themselves from them. Since the late 1990’s, many radicals have opposed globalization—that is, the increased connectedness between individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the world. Many people argue that globalization enables multinational corporations to take unfair advantage of poor countries.
Some radicals support traditionally conservative causes. Such radicals include members of white supremacist groups and people who use violence to oppose abortion.
Around the world today,
radicalism takes a variety of forms. Antiglobalization, antiabortion, and white supremacist radicals are active in a number of countries. Other radicals promote a wide range of political, religious, and social causes. In many Muslim countries, for example, Islamic radicals call for new governments based on traditional Islamic teachings. Some radicals in the Middle East and elsewhere oppose the spread of Western values and influence.
