ABSTRACT
in the early years of the nineteenth century the tradition of paternalism weakened as the ideas of individualism, with their emphasis upon self-reliance and the harmony of self and public interest, gained acceptance. Although the ideas of individualism were not considered to be inconsistent with state action in promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest number, not until the third quarter of the century did the general presumption against state intervention begin to diminish. Henceforward, greater stress was placed upon the collectivist elements contained in Benthamite thought, while the state came to play an increasingly important role as an instrument for the achievement of minimum standards of justice, education, and health for all. 1 Benthamite Utilitarianism was one major force to which the growth of collectivism was indebted; the other great force in the spiritual and intellectual life of this period was that of Evangelical Christianity. Together these powerful influences affected the shifting balance of emphasis upon the responsibilities of the state and of other bodies, while in Nottingham, as in other towns, Evangelicalism emerged as a major common denominator among those who, through voluntary effort, sought to cope with some of the social problems presented by the new industrial society.
