Origins of Western Democratic Liberalism

1. Origins of Western Democratic Liberalism Social 30-2

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

3. Philosophers • 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” • Aspects of Liberalism listed on pg 102, midway through.

4. Liberal Ideas on Economic Systems • 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.

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

6. Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations • Complaints about mercantilistsystems: • Did not distribute wealth very well. • 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. • Therefore, they can control the output and the pricing. • Smith believed that competition was necessary in society.

7. Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations • 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” • Unintentionally improve the prosperity and well-being of society.

8. Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations • 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. • Believed that self-improvement was a great motivator to work hard.

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

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

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

12. Classical Liberalism • 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. • These rights tended to focus on economic aspects of society.

13. Liberal Ideas on Political Systems • John Locke, essential rights and freedoms: • To be allowed to participate in government. • 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 protected and permitted to exercise individual rights. • To be free and to make decisions on one’s own behalf.

14. 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,

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

16. John Stuart Mill • Rule of Law • Not based on what might happen, but rather what will happen. • 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. • Therefore, the government persuades society, it does not force.

17. John Stuart Mill • 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.

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

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

20. Classical vs. Modern Liberalism • Classical Liberalism • Interested in protecting the freedoms of individuals in economic affairs. • 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.

21. Classical vs. Modern Liberalism • Modern Liberalism • Interested in creating equality of opportunity for all individuals. • 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.

22. Is It Funny Yet?