4: Liberalism

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Liberalism provided source of legitimacy for humans nd their place in the world

a) medieval: from God and tradition and myth
b) Early modern: Italian republicanism, British civil wars
- ideas of nations and States: military sacrifice for ‘homeland’ increased idea of rights nd value of citizens

Question 2

outline all main areas

Answer 2

a) liberalism as poliical ideology: 2 sources, 4 interrelated areas
b) Individual liberties/rights: Mill
c) Colonialism and India : Mill
d) creating liberal society/government
e) Market economy/democracy
f) reality: spread: gradual britain
g) continental: Spain, Germany

Question 3

a) Liberalism as political ideology
2 origins
4 interrelated ideas

Answer 3

• Family of ideas emerged as challenge to traditional standpoint
• 2 main sources:
• civic republican tradition: a) Roman democray, Greek city states
• Enlightenment: Importance of reason (irrational policies in gov) Anti-clerical tradition:
  2) 4 interrelated ideas
  a) freedom as basis of society/politics
  b) rule of law
  c) markt economy
  4) belief in progress and reform as an ideal.

Question 4

moralty and liberalism

Answer 4

Mill: ‘on liberty’ 1859:
a) believed morals, economics and reason to be universal,
b) distinguished civilised and barbarian peoples
- benevolet disposition (form of gov where absolute monarchs pursue legal/social etc reform) is ustified if purpose
- China/India become stagnant and disorderly so justified colonisation
BENTHAM: Utilitarianism greater good for mass

Question 5

Market Economy

Answer 5

market economy, liberalism and democracy emerged simultaneously.

a) connections: belief in individual freedom and small governments
b) Adam Smith ‘invisible hand’ guides economy
- market system allowed free economic development
- extends to social issues e.g. dont help poor
c) questions of morality:
capitalism: profits morality not important
democracy: participation in gov, toleration and commitment to common will

Question 6

creating liberal society/gov

Answer 6

SOCIETY: supported by middle classes, middle class values universal: hard work, education., self discipline
- middle class not nobles/working class: self made men, industrial leaders, lawyers, teachers, doctors etc
GOV: 2 front battle:
a) against conservativees: hierarchy, legitimcy from Church, history, monarchy liberals represent change/reform
b) against radicals: will of the people, immediate social rev: true democracy
e.g. french and amercan rev: creaton of systems and institutions from ideas

Question 7

reality of spread:

Answer 7

Spread from Spain to Europe 1815-48: gradual reform, introductions of constitutions
example of gradual reform: Britain:
3 sources of liberal radition:
a) Whig (opposition to tory) practical/pragmatic
b) Utiltarianism of Bentham: rational reform greatest good for greatest number
2: Official lieral party formed 1859, dominated by Willia Glastone, 4 times PM: reformed education, Lnd, locl gov and in ireland. anti-imperialist and advocated peace
- meritocracy and free markets, gladstoe reformed justice system

Question 8

continental liberalism

Answer 8

• traitional of bereaucratic reform: from above
• Revolutionary tradition ore radiclal
  e.g. FRNCE
  constant struggl between conservatism and socialism:
• Catholic vs Republican, revolutionary France. liberals imbetween socialism and conservatism but wanted law and order

e.g. GERMANY: tradition of bureaucratic reform and military society: 1848: liberl parliamentary tradition
- prestige of military and state after 1871 unification:
Liberalism inspired unification and was most common in revolutions of 1848

Question 9

conclusion:

Answer 9

1) new politics: expaning democracy, discourse of rights, justice, public sphere open to politics e.g. newspapers in 1848
2) was liberal gov stable or unstable? constitutional life, rule of law or inneficient mob rule and conformity. Liberal democracy opened door to new world of change