The Origin and Growth of Liberalism

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