Reactionism is a right-wing political ideology that favors reaction, especially extreme conservatism or rightism in politics, and opposition to political change. Reactionism emphasizes the return of a previous social or political state, supporting a return to the "good old days". In 19th century Europe, the reactionary class included the clergy, aristocracy, royal families, and royalists, who believed that national government was the sole domain of the Catholic Church and the state. Reactionaries supported an agrarian economy, a dominating landed society, a hereditary king, and Catholic moralism; reactionaries favored the aristocracy instead of the middle and lower classes. Reactionaries are typically found on the right of the political system, and they advocate authoritarian forms of government in opposition to democracy.
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