How did liberalism come about?

Philosopher John Locke is often credited with founding liberalism as a distinct tradition, based on the social contract, arguing that each man has a natural right to life, liberty and property and governments must not violate these rights. Liberalism started to spread rapidly especially after the French Revolution.

How does classical liberalism emerge?

It was developed in the early 19th century, building on ideas from the previous century as a response to urbanization and to the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America. As a term, classical liberalism was applied in retronym to distinguish earlier 19th-century liberalism from social liberalism.

What was the meaning of liberalism in early 19th century?

Liberalism in the early 19th century stood for freedom for the individual and equality to all before law for the new middle classes. Important points are as follows. It means freedom of equality before law. It included end of aristocracy and clerical privileges. It meant representative government through Parliament.

Who started economic liberalism?

It was first analyzed by Adam Smith in An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) which advocated minimal interference of government in a market economy, although it did not necessarily oppose the state’s provision of basic public goods.

What is the history of liberalism?

In the course of this tumultuous century, the first movements and thinkers appeared who can be unequivocally identified as liberal. In the 18th century, thinkers were discovering that where men enjoyed their natural rights, society more or less runs itself. With the king gone, a group of middle-class radicals emerged called the Levellers.

What is the impact of liberalism on society?

Along with its great allies, capitalism, and democracy, liberalism has not only contributed to levels of material prosperity unimaginable in previous generations, but has meant that citizens no longer have to live in fear of arbitrary punishment from governments for espousing differ- ent religious or political views.

What events led to the rise of liberalism in France?

French Revolution. The two key events that marked the triumph of liberalism were the Abolition of feudalism in France on the night of 4 August 1789, which marked the collapse of feudal and old traditional rights and privileges and restrictions, and the passage of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in August.

How did industrialization and urbanization contribute to the growth of liberalism?

Besides the Enlightenment, a rising tide of industrialization and urbanization in Western Europe during the 18th century also contributed to the growth of liberal society by spurring commercial and entrepreneurial activity.