1. The Origin and Growth of Liberalism
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