Freedom and Nationhood

Lord Acton and John Stuart Mill were two great exponents of the idea of freedom in Victorian England, Acton from the perspective of a conservative liberal, Mill as a romantic radical. Nationalism was one subject on which they disagreed. Here they are imagined re-appraising their views in the light of today’s experience.

ACTON: In 1861 you argued, Mr. Mill, in favor of Nationalism. Do not events of the twentieth century prompt you to change your mind?

MC

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Maurice Cranston

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Lord Acton and John Stuart Mill were two great exponents of the idea of freedom in Victorian England, Acton from the perspective of a conservative liberal, Mill as a romantic radical. Nationalism was one subject on which they disagreed. Here they are imagined re-appraising their views in the light of today’s experience.

ACTON: In 1861 you argued, Mr. Mill, in favor of Nationalism. Do not events of the twentieth century prompt you to change your mind?