Introduction to Liberalism (Ch. 3) Flashcards
Define:
Classical Liberalism
Classical Liberalism is an ideology that embraces the principles of individualism including:
- The rule of law
- Individual rights and freedoms
- Private property
- Economic freedom
- Self-interest
- Competition
- Limited Government – Democracy
Classical Liberals believe humans are rational and that the best economic system is the free market, which operates with limited government intervention.
What was the Renaissance (1450 - 1600)?
- Sparked a belief in the importance of the individual in society
- Had its roots in the revival of Greek and Roman thinking
- Thomas Aquinas sought to use the ideas of the Greek philosopher Aristotle to support the teachings of the Christian church through use of logical argument and reason.
- Late 14th century – humanists emerged in Italy and France
- Believed in the importance of arts and literature alongside faith
- Developed an interpretation of history and beliefs about human nature, the structure of society, and the purpose of life based on reason rather than religion
What was the The Protestant Reformation (1500 - 1650)?
- Reflected the belief that reason was as significant as faith for the believers in Christianity.
- Dramatically altered the political, economic, and social circumstances of Europe through its opposition of the Catholic Church and its hierarchical concentration of religious power and perceived corruption of that power.
- Faith in the individual believer began to grow
- Bibles written and printed in the common language
- Increased contact with non-Christian societies brought about further challenges to traditional thoughts (Age of Exploration)
What was the The Enlightenment (17-18th centuries)?
- The Renaissance and Reformation lead us to the Enlightenment
- Emergence of new ideas about the role of the individual and the use of reason and logic over faith.
- The Enlightenment lead us to Classical Liberalism and Modernism
- There was resistance to the ideas of the enlightenment in the ruling classes because they challenged the foundations of society
These challenges included…
* Economic changes
* Breakdown of feudal economic order
* Increased urbanization
* Expanded overseas trade
* Wealthy middle class
* Eroding wealth of aristocracy
* Demand for greater economic opportunities, less authoritarian rule, and social movements challenging the status quo
Classical Liberalism and Modernism refers to…
- The primacy of individual rights and freedoms, to be exercised in the individual’s self-interest.
- The belief that humans are reasonable and can make rational decisions that will benefit both themselves and society as a whole.
- Economic freedom, involving the ownership of private property and free markets – markets with limited government intervention
- The protection of civil liberties -democracy
- Constitutional limitations on the government
What sparked revolutions in America and France during the Enlightenment?
New liberal thinking from the Enlightenment led to revolutions in America and France, resulting in the establishment of new governments to replace existing monarchies.
What was a significant outcome of the French Revolution?
The French Revolution led to the Reign of Terror under Maximilien Robespierre, but the Declaration of the Rights of Man showcased the impact of liberalism on French society.
What did the American Revolution achieve?
The American Revolution resulted in America’s independence from Britain and the establishment of the federal government system that the country still uses today.
What were the societal divisions in France before the French Revolution?
Society was divided into three classes: First Estate (Clergy), Second Estate (Aristocracy), and Third Estate (Everyone else - 97% of the population).
What happened under Maximilien Robespierre’s leadership during the French Revolution?
Under Maximilien Robespierre, the revolution turned into the Reign of Terror, with many rights from the Declaration of the Rights of Man being revoked.
What were the economic conditions in France leading up to the French Revolution?
Louis XV’s death left France in debt, exacerbated by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s reign, unfair taxes, corruption, a poor harvest in 1788, and additional debt from funding the American War of Independence.
What were the key events leading up to the French Revolution in 1789?
Louis XVI’s call to the Estates-General, the Third Estate forming the National Assembly and the Tennis Court Oath, the storming of the Bastille, and the issuance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
What factors contributed to the onset of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain?
Great Britain’s transformation was driven by its status as an island nation, a political climate favoring Constitutional Monarchy, Enlightenment ideas, and access to coal.
What were the outcomes of the Industrial Revolution?
The Industrial Revolution led to a new understanding of human potential, government support for business, the factory system, mass production, capitalism expansion, and the modern world’s shaping.
How did liberalism evolve due to the Industrial Revolution?
Opposition arising from classical liberalism’s unintended consequences forced liberalism to evolve.
