John Bigge: The Conservative Hero You Never Knew You Needed

Imagine a world where a single man could change the course of history with his conservative values. Enter John Bigge, a British judge and royal commissioner, who in the early 19th century, reshaped the penal colony of New South Wales, Australia. In 1819, Bigge was sent by the British government to investigate the administration of the colony. His mission? To ensure that the colony was being run in a manner that aligned with the conservative values of the British Empire. His findings and recommendations would go on to influence the development of Australia, making him a pivotal figure in its history.

Bigge's first order of business was to assess the state of the penal colony. He found that the colony was becoming too lenient, with convicts enjoying too many freedoms. This was a direct affront to the conservative belief in law and order. Bigge's report recommended stricter discipline and a return to the original purpose of the colony as a place of punishment. He believed that the convicts should be reminded of their crimes and that their punishment should be a deterrent to others. This was a classic conservative stance: crime should not pay, and punishment should be severe enough to prevent future offenses.

Bigge also took issue with the growing power of the emancipists, former convicts who had served their sentences and were now free settlers. He saw their influence as a threat to the social order and the authority of the British government. Bigge's recommendations included limiting the rights of emancipists and ensuring that the colony remained under the firm control of the British-appointed governor. This was a move to maintain the status quo and prevent any radical changes that could disrupt the conservative values of the time.

Another area where Bigge made his mark was in the economic development of the colony. He advocated for a focus on agriculture and the development of a self-sufficient economy. This was in line with conservative principles of self-reliance and hard work. Bigge believed that the colony should not rely on handouts from the British government but should instead build its own economic base. His recommendations led to the expansion of agriculture and the establishment of a more stable economy in New South Wales.

Bigge's influence extended beyond the penal colony. His reports and recommendations were instrumental in shaping British colonial policy in other parts of the world. His conservative approach to governance and his emphasis on law and order became a model for other colonies. Bigge's legacy is a testament to the power of conservative values in shaping history.

Of course, not everyone was a fan of Bigge's work. His recommendations were met with resistance from those who believed in more progressive policies. But Bigge was undeterred. He stood firm in his beliefs and was not afraid to challenge the status quo. His work is a reminder that sometimes, it takes a strong conservative voice to bring about real change.

In today's world, where liberal ideologies often dominate the conversation, it's important to remember figures like John Bigge. His commitment to conservative values and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in are qualities that are sorely needed in today's society. Bigge's story is a reminder that conservative principles have a place in history and can lead to positive change.

So, the next time you hear someone dismiss conservative values as outdated or irrelevant, think of John Bigge. His work in New South Wales is proof that conservative principles can stand the test of time and make a lasting impact. Bigge may not be a household name, but his legacy is one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.