1. Liberalism

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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