Liberalism

Liberalism Liber- Latin meaning FREE The Liberal Party of Canada- not what we are talking about 19th century Liberalism is: Freedom from absolute monarchs Freedom under the law- right to a fair trial Freedom to express political views Freedom to elect parliaments and discuss laws

liberalism 1776 American Declaration of Independence, 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man All men have the natural and therefore inalienable right to be free Liberalism also very much refers to economic freedom- the government should not interfere with people’s desire to improve their lives through their own efforts Taxes on internal trade restricted growth and prosperity- free trade would mean that people’s labour wouldn’t have to be taxed

Liberalism Religion- liberals argued that people should be free to believe what they want People should be able to practice as they wish People should not have beliefs imposed on them Religious members of society should not benefit through priviledge

Liberals Not Democrats Many liberals (Voltaire included) thought that only those who had a share in society should vote (the poor, and anybody who didn’t pay taxes shouldn’t be allowed a say) Democracy was seen to be flawed as it gave the “ignorant” a voice as well as the uninformed Also, in ancient history, Tyrants have used democracy as a way to get support and by falsifying results of votes Liberals did not see social reforms as essential either- that would be the government interfering with your life Individuals should take responsibility for their own lives- therefore only taxes that were essential to the defence of their rights, nothing more- keep what you earn