19th Century Social Reforms
In the 19th century the editorial stance of The Economist drifted away from supporting laissez-faire policies. In January 1883, for example, one editorial noted that:
it required very little observation of current politics to see that the principle of laissez-faire is no longer in the ascendant.
—"The New Radicalism", The Economist, 1883-01-20
In September 1883, another editorial noted that
When once it has been conceded that the functions of the State are not to be strictly limited to those simpler duties it is wonderful how soon and how rapidly the number of the outlets in which it is thought that State aid may be advantageously applied becomes increased and multiplied.
—"State Aid", The Economist, 1883-09-29
This change in editorial stance reflected a similar change in British politics itself, which had set aside the notion of laissez-faire as a practical philosophy some 50 years beforehand.
Read more about this topic: The Economist Editorial Stance
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