An Historical Overview of Liberalism

Liberalism The belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights

Generally liberals support Constitutionalism Liberal democracy Free and fair elections Human rights Capitalism Freedom of religion

Liberalism as a reaction to feudal rule John Locke (1632 – 1704): -the concept of natural rights and the social contract -to argue that the rule of law should replace absolutism in government -that rulers are subject to the consent of the governed -that private individuals had a fundamental right to life, liberty, and property

Liberalism in the Netherlands 1581 ‘Placcaet van Verlatinghe’ – Religious freedom – Economic freedom First stock-exchange Republic governed by citizens not nobility 20 th century frontrunner in ethical issues: gay rights, abortion, euthanasia

Modern liberal state: -constitutionally limiting the power of the monarch -affirming parliamentary supremacy -passing the Bill of Rights (1689) and -establishing the principle of ‘consent of the governed’ Liberalism in the UK

Liberalism in the US The 1776 Declaration of Independence of the United States of America: -liberal principles without the encumbrance of hereditary aristocracy -the declaration stated that "all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among these life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Liberalism in France The French Revolution overthrew the hereditary aristocracy, with the slogan "liberty, equality, fraternity", and was the first state in history to grant universal male suffrage. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, first codified in 1789 in France, is a foundational document of both liberalism and human rights.

Around 1900 Western Europe and the US – Democracy (limited franchise) – Constitution – Rule of law – But no equal opportunities, poverty, still great influence of the church

Social Reforms More positive and proactive measures were required to ensure that every individual would have an equal opportunity of success. – health insurance, unemployment insurance, and pensions for elderly workers – redistributing wealth: increased taxes on luxuries, liquor, tobacco, incomes, and land -> money was made available for new welfare programs – Prohibiting child labor – Making education obligatory for all children

1970’s: two strands of liberalism Classical / conservative / economic / utilitarian liberalism New / progressive / social liberalism

Different takes on liberalism Same concepts, other meanings? Freedom Tolerance Role of the state Responsibility: citizenship or take care of yourself

Liberalism in Indonesia Where and how do you see liberalism represented? Liberal ‘celebrities’, old and new? - Sutan SyahrirSutan Syahrir - Eduard Douwes Dekker / Multatuli Politics? Public opinion,media? Civil society?