Origins of Western Democratic Liberalism Social 30-2

European Origins Due to events such as the French Revolution, liberal ideas began to advance throughout Europe in the 18th century. Due to events such as the French Revolution, liberal ideas began to advance throughout Europe in the 18th century. I.e.- equality, individual freedoms I.e.- equality, individual freedoms A shift from Absolute Power. A shift from Absolute Power. Complete control over their societies. Complete control over their societies. Often abused their abilities. Often abused their abilities. Due to events such as the French Revolution, liberal ideas began to advance throughout Europe in the 18th century. Due to events such as the French Revolution, liberal ideas began to advance throughout Europe in the 18th century. I.e.- equality, individual freedoms I.e.- equality, individual freedoms A shift from Absolute Power. A shift from Absolute Power. Complete control over their societies. Complete control over their societies. Often abused their abilities. Often abused their abilities.

Philosophers It was during this time that thinkers such as Rousseau began to become popular. It was during this time that thinkers such as Rousseau began to become popular. Those who agreed with these thoughts were call liberals. Or those who supported “freedom, or liberty, of the individual” Those who agreed with these thoughts were call liberals. Or those who supported “freedom, or liberty, of the individual” Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through. Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through. It was during this time that thinkers such as Rousseau began to become popular. It was during this time that thinkers such as Rousseau began to become popular. Those who agreed with these thoughts were call liberals. Or those who supported “freedom, or liberty, of the individual” Those who agreed with these thoughts were call liberals. Or those who supported “freedom, or liberty, of the individual” Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through. Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through.

Liberal Ideas on Economic Systems Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s and 1800’s, changed the commonly used concept of mercantilism. Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s and 1800’s, changed the commonly used concept of mercantilism. Mercantilism- based on the idea that countries need to export more than they import. Mercantilism- based on the idea that countries need to export more than they import. Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s and 1800’s, changed the commonly used concept of mercantilism. Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s and 1800’s, changed the commonly used concept of mercantilism. Mercantilism- based on the idea that countries need to export more than they import. Mercantilism- based on the idea that countries need to export more than they import.

Mercantilism and the Class System Mercantilism- workers do all the labour, yet the government (Kings and Queens) get all the profit. Mercantilism- workers do all the labour, yet the government (Kings and Queens) get all the profit. Class System- upper class, middle class, lower class. Class System- upper class, middle class, lower class. Disturbed the distribution of wealth. Disturbed the distribution of wealth. Mercantilism- workers do all the labour, yet the government (Kings and Queens) get all the profit. Mercantilism- workers do all the labour, yet the government (Kings and Queens) get all the profit. Class System- upper class, middle class, lower class. Class System- upper class, middle class, lower class. Disturbed the distribution of wealth. Disturbed the distribution of wealth.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations Complaints about mercantilist systems: Complaints about mercantilist systems: Did not distribute wealth very well. Did not distribute wealth very well. Allowed the King or Queen to play favorites with business and land owners Allowed the King or Queen to play favorites with business and land owners This created something called monopolies, where a company had exclusive rights on production. This created something called monopolies, where a company had exclusive rights on production. Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing. Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing. Smith believed that competition was necessary in society. Smith believed that competition was necessary in society. Complaints about mercantilist systems: Complaints about mercantilist systems: Did not distribute wealth very well. Did not distribute wealth very well. Allowed the King or Queen to play favorites with business and land owners Allowed the King or Queen to play favorites with business and land owners This created something called monopolies, where a company had exclusive rights on production. This created something called monopolies, where a company had exclusive rights on production. Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing. Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing. Smith believed that competition was necessary in society. Smith believed that competition was necessary in society.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations If people were free to compete, then it would be in their self-interest to improve. If people were free to compete, then it would be in their self-interest to improve. Suggested that the individual, or company’s pursuit of self-interest is guided by a “invisible hand” Suggested that the individual, or company’s pursuit of self-interest is guided by a “invisible hand” Unintentionally improve the prosperity and well- being of society. Unintentionally improve the prosperity and well- being of society. If people were free to compete, then it would be in their self-interest to improve. If people were free to compete, then it would be in their self-interest to improve. Suggested that the individual, or company’s pursuit of self-interest is guided by a “invisible hand” Suggested that the individual, or company’s pursuit of self-interest is guided by a “invisible hand” Unintentionally improve the prosperity and well- being of society. Unintentionally improve the prosperity and well- being of society.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations Against government intervention in society, therefore he was laissez- faire in nature. Against government intervention in society, therefore he was laissez- faire in nature. Wanted limited government, saying that the government was important in protecting the individual. Wanted limited government, saying that the government was important in protecting the individual. Believed that self- improvement was a great motivator to work hard. Believed that self- improvement was a great motivator to work hard. Against government intervention in society, therefore he was laissez- faire in nature. Against government intervention in society, therefore he was laissez- faire in nature. Wanted limited government, saying that the government was important in protecting the individual. Wanted limited government, saying that the government was important in protecting the individual. Believed that self- improvement was a great motivator to work hard. Believed that self- improvement was a great motivator to work hard.

Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations Meritocracy- economic system, in which individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work. Meritocracy- economic system, in which individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work.

Capitalism and Liberalism Capitalism- consumers and producers have the individual freedom to make economic choices for themselves. Capitalism- consumers and producers have the individual freedom to make economic choices for themselves. Individuals profit from their individual work. Individuals profit from their individual work. Capitalism- consumers and producers have the individual freedom to make economic choices for themselves. Capitalism- consumers and producers have the individual freedom to make economic choices for themselves. Individuals profit from their individual work. Individuals profit from their individual work.

Capitalism and Liberalism Mercantilism Mercantilism Government regulation of business Government regulation of business Monopolies Monopolies Accumulation of wealth by a few people in society Accumulation of wealth by a few people in society Capitalism Capitalism Little or no government regulation of business Little or no government regulation of business Competition Competition Distribution of wealth across a wider range of society. Distribution of wealth across a wider range of society. Mercantilism Mercantilism Government regulation of business Government regulation of business Monopolies Monopolies Accumulation of wealth by a few people in society Accumulation of wealth by a few people in society Capitalism Capitalism Little or no government regulation of business Little or no government regulation of business Competition Competition Distribution of wealth across a wider range of society. Distribution of wealth across a wider range of society.

Classical Liberalism Smith belonged to a group of people who are now known as Classical Liberalists Smith belonged to a group of people who are now known as Classical Liberalists The rights and freedoms of the individuals as the most important aspect of society. The rights and freedoms of the individuals as the most important aspect of society. These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society. These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society. Smith belonged to a group of people who are now known as Classical Liberalists Smith belonged to a group of people who are now known as Classical Liberalists The rights and freedoms of the individuals as the most important aspect of society. The rights and freedoms of the individuals as the most important aspect of society. These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society. These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society.

Liberal Ideas on Political Systems John Locke, essential rights and freedoms: John Locke, essential rights and freedoms: To be allowed to participate in government. To be allowed to participate in government. To be free from excessive government intrusion into one’s life. To be free from excessive government intrusion into one’s life. To be assured that no one (especially the king and the nobility) is above the law (that is, rule of law) To be assured that no one (especially the king and the nobility) is above the law (that is, rule of law) To be protected and permitted to exercise individual rights. To be protected and permitted to exercise individual rights. To be free and to make decisions on one’s own behalf. To be free and to make decisions on one’s own behalf. John Locke, essential rights and freedoms: John Locke, essential rights and freedoms: To be allowed to participate in government. To be allowed to participate in government. To be free from excessive government intrusion into one’s life. To be free from excessive government intrusion into one’s life. To be assured that no one (especially the king and the nobility) is above the law (that is, rule of law) To be assured that no one (especially the king and the nobility) is above the law (that is, rule of law) To be protected and permitted to exercise individual rights. To be protected and permitted to exercise individual rights. To be free and to make decisions on one’s own behalf. To be free and to make decisions on one’s own behalf.

Liberal Democracy A political system that is based on the equality of all citizens and that has free elections, multiple political parties, political decisions that are made through a democratically elected legislature, and legal decisions that are made by an independent judiciary, A political system that is based on the equality of all citizens and that has free elections, multiple political parties, political decisions that are made through a democratically elected legislature, and legal decisions that are made by an independent judiciary,

John Stuart Mill Classical Liberalist Classical Liberalist Essay- “On Liberty” Essay- “On Liberty” Written during the Industrial Revolution Written during the Industrial Revolution Role of government was to do only three things: Role of government was to do only three things: Preserve the rule of law, Preserve the rule of law, Protect private property, Protect private property, Ensure the security of the individual. Ensure the security of the individual. Classical Liberalist Classical Liberalist Essay- “On Liberty” Essay- “On Liberty” Written during the Industrial Revolution Written during the Industrial Revolution Role of government was to do only three things: Role of government was to do only three things: Preserve the rule of law, Preserve the rule of law, Protect private property, Protect private property, Ensure the security of the individual. Ensure the security of the individual.

John Stuart Mill Rule of Law Rule of Law Not based on what might happen, but rather what will happen. Not based on what might happen, but rather what will happen. Based on the rationality that humans innately make wrong choices. Based on the rationality that humans innately make wrong choices. However, he does not say that humans should not be allowed to make these wrong choices. However, he does not say that humans should not be allowed to make these wrong choices. Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force. Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force. Rule of Law Rule of Law Not based on what might happen, but rather what will happen. Not based on what might happen, but rather what will happen. Based on the rationality that humans innately make wrong choices. Based on the rationality that humans innately make wrong choices. However, he does not say that humans should not be allowed to make these wrong choices. However, he does not say that humans should not be allowed to make these wrong choices. Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force. Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force.

John Stuart Mill The idea of individual liberty is essential to the idea of liberalism. The idea of individual liberty is essential to the idea of liberalism. He also warned governments of the idea of the “mass mind” approach to society, or the dangers of forcing people to think one particular way. He also warned governments of the idea of the “mass mind” approach to society, or the dangers of forcing people to think one particular way. The idea of individual liberty is essential to the idea of liberalism. The idea of individual liberty is essential to the idea of liberalism. He also warned governments of the idea of the “mass mind” approach to society, or the dangers of forcing people to think one particular way. He also warned governments of the idea of the “mass mind” approach to society, or the dangers of forcing people to think one particular way.

John Stuart Mill Believed it was dangerous to silence the individual, therefore societies should embrace free speech. Believed it was dangerous to silence the individual, therefore societies should embrace free speech.

Beginnings of Modern Liberalism Developed over time to address the concerns about inequalities created by laissez- faire capitalism. Developed over time to address the concerns about inequalities created by laissez- faire capitalism.

Classical vs. Modern Liberalism Classical Liberalism Classical Liberalism Interested in protecting the freedoms of individuals in economic affairs. Interested in protecting the freedoms of individuals in economic affairs. Maximum rights and freedoms for certain individuals (entrepreneurs). Maximum rights and freedoms for certain individuals (entrepreneurs). Government rules, regulations, and social programs, are kept to a minimum, with every person acting on his or her own behalf. Government rules, regulations, and social programs, are kept to a minimum, with every person acting on his or her own behalf. Classical Liberalism Classical Liberalism Interested in protecting the freedoms of individuals in economic affairs. Interested in protecting the freedoms of individuals in economic affairs. Maximum rights and freedoms for certain individuals (entrepreneurs). Maximum rights and freedoms for certain individuals (entrepreneurs). Government rules, regulations, and social programs, are kept to a minimum, with every person acting on his or her own behalf. Government rules, regulations, and social programs, are kept to a minimum, with every person acting on his or her own behalf.

Classical vs. Modern Liberalism Modern Liberalism Modern Liberalism Interested in creating equality of opportunity for all individuals. Interested in creating equality of opportunity for all individuals. Freedoms and rights favour the individual, with more individuals in society receiving rights. Freedoms and rights favour the individual, with more individuals in society receiving rights. Government intervenes to ensure that the most vulnerable people are cared for. Government intervenes to ensure that the most vulnerable people are cared for. Modern Liberalism Modern Liberalism Interested in creating equality of opportunity for all individuals. Interested in creating equality of opportunity for all individuals. Freedoms and rights favour the individual, with more individuals in society receiving rights. Freedoms and rights favour the individual, with more individuals in society receiving rights. Government intervenes to ensure that the most vulnerable people are cared for. Government intervenes to ensure that the most vulnerable people are cared for.

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