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Evolution of Liberalism: From Origins to Modern Ideals

Explore the origin and growth of liberalism, from the Enlightenment era to modern times. Learn about classical vs. modern liberalism, principles of classical liberalism, and the rise of capitalism. Discover key figures like Locke, Smith, and Jefferson, and how their ideas shaped our political and economic landscapes.

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Evolution of Liberalism: From Origins to Modern Ideals

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  1. Social 30-1 The Origin and Growth of Liberalism

  2. Origins.... • The word liberal comes from the Latin liber, meaning ‘free’. • Ideas of liberalism emerged in the 1700’s during the Enlightenment. • Individuals such as Locke, Smith, Jefferson, Montesquieu wrote about freedom, limited government (economically and socially) consent of the governed (social contract) – beliefs laid the foundation for what is now called classical liberalism.

  3. Classical vs. Modern Liberalism • Modern liberalism generally includes the political beliefs and social rights of classical liberalism • Modern liberalism rejects some of the economic beliefs of classical liberalism, especially limited government • Modern liberals argue government must take a role in economy – welfare state.

  4. Historical Background • Renaissance • Humanists: questioning of authority and church teachings • Protestant Reformation • Contact with Indigenous peoples(non-Christian) • Europe was in turmoil • Cities grew as overseas trade grew • Enlightenment or Age of Reason (late 17th-18th) . The rise of Classical Liberalism focused on allowing citizens the right to freedom in their economic, political, and social lives

  5. Principles of Classical Liberalism • Individual Rights and Freedoms • Humans are reasonable • Private property and free markets • Protection of civil liberties • Limitations on Gov’t by constitution

  6. The Age of Reason

  7. Thinkers • Hobbes – people surrender freedom for security • Locke – people are rational, control government • Montesquieu – separation of powers • John Stuart Mill – individual freedom trumps all

  8. Laissez-Faire Economics Adam Smith – capitalism’s idea man!

  9. Origins of Capitalism • Agrarian economy overtaken by industrial one • Movement away from subsistence to surplus; farm to factory • 1. As an island, Britain had advantages • 2. Parliamentary gov’t and constitutional monarchy; Enclosure Acts • 3. Enlightenment • = Modern Industrialization

  10. Rise of Capitalism and the Individual • New middle class led the way to promote laissez-faire and criticize Mercantilism • Pursuit of self interest

  11. Adam Smith • Every individual looks after themselves thereby helping everyone else (invisible hand) • Government role: maintain rule of law; ensure contracts are followed; provide public works

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