Liberal Idea Of Natural Rights example essay topic

Liberalism first came about in ancient Greece but was extended and developed in Western Europe from the 17th to the 20th century. The views of separation of powers, religious toleration, freedom of thought, and the belief in the future progress of humanity had their beginnings in France and were derived from the French philosophes such as Montesquieu. While the liberal idea of natural rights was brought to us by philosophe John Locke from England. Liberalism of that time extended some democratic values and rational ideas that also played a major role in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. The French Revolution is where liberal ideas flourished and the oppressed bourgeoisie finally got some needed changes in their government. The Industrial Revolution extended liberal thought into business and the economy with the application of "laissez-faire" in the industry.

Liberalism also had different measures of importance in different countries, but behind many great theories and events of this time, liberal thought was being developed and applied. In 1789 France was not only a country of aristocracy and privilege, but a country where individuals were starting to imagine if the ideas of the Enlightenment could lead them to better their existence. The bourgeoisie was sick of not having the prestige or right to hold a political or judicial position or office. They sought a parliament that would offer them some liberal rights such as; all positions in the church, army, and state to be open to men with real talent not just based upon birth, freedom of thought, the right to a fair trial, religious toleration, and administrative reforms that would get rid of waste, inefficiency, and interference with business. They also wanted a parliament that would makes laws and a constitution for their nation, and during the revolution they found the perfect opportunity to fight for these rights in which they thought they were entitled to. On July 14th, 1789 eight to nine hundred Parisian bourgeoisie's stormed and captured the Bastille which was a symbol of the old ways of the country.

Louis XVI, who was king at this time, was very fearful of more violence so he decided to approve the August Decrees and the Declaration of Rights. The new reforms made such as abolition of special privileges, subordination of church and state, and aid for business, were all representative of the spread and rationality of liberal ideas, and the beginning of the modern state of France. In the 19th century another kind of revolution went on in Europe. The Industrial Revolution transformed life starting in England bringing forth new forms of technology, better ways of obtaining and using resources, and the factory came into use.

This resulted in an economic boom which transformed society with amazing speed. The rapid industrialization did come with its share of problems that liberalism had to confront. Liberals maintained the idea that government should not interfere with the economy for the well-being of the individual and community, and to maintain political freedom. Liberals believed that self-interest, and natural competitive impulses incited economic activity and would guarantee the production of quality goods at the lowest possible price, therefore benefiting the whole nation.

This was called the "laissez faire" theory, and it was also applied by Liberals in their beliefs on how to deal with the poor and unfortunate. They believed that individuals were responsible for their own misfortunes, and did not think that the government should interfere with the natural law of supply and demand. They feared that in the long run intervention with the poor would disrupt the free market and thwart social well-being. However, Liberals came to believe that justice did require some protection against the unpredictable economy so they modified their position by accepting the principle of state aid to the poor. In the early part of the 19th century Liberalism went through a period of transition. They began to support extended suffrage and government action to regulate the abuses of industry.

They also wanted to see an end to child labor, schooling for the masses, the abolition of slavery, and humane treatment for the mentally ill and prisoners. Liberalism had evolved into liberal democracy, and the "laissez faire" theory had been overthrown and replaced with acceptance of government regulations of industry. Many prominent thinkers of the time such as Thomas Hill Green stood out in the late 1800's because of their views of a liberal society. He stated that a perfect liberal society would give the individual the opportunity to fulfill their moral potential, and human capacities. The trend of liberalism spreading into political and social democracy would continue into the twentieth century as well. In England the Liberals introduced many new social standards, such as old age pensions, labor exchanges, unemployment and health insurance, and minimum wages in some industries.

In France the radical republicans had taken over politics. The country had a complete separation of church and state, where taxes no longer supported churches, or religious schools. France was a deeply divided country as World War I approached. Germany was a country where Liberals tolerated evasions of principles and practices, that no other Liberal would have. Liberalism in Germany was not leading to a more democratic society like it was in France, England, and the United States, instead it remained a semi-autocratic state which would lead Germany to a dangerous path in the future. Italy was a country separated by the strong Roman Catholic beliefs and the Liberals and republicans.

The Liberals and republicans advocated civil marriage and public education, and also a more secular state, which was basically the opposite of what the church wanted. Italy was deeply divided politically before the start of the war. Liberalism has transformed throughout history from primarily safeguarding individuals rights, and trying to fix the oppressive state authorities, to having to deal with problems that arise from rapid industrialization, urbanization, competing beliefs, religious toleration, and realizing the importance of the Enlightenment period. It has played a huge role in social and political reforms, and set the standards for modern day democracy. It seems as though the countries who have applied Liberal thought slowly throughout their history such as France, England, and the United States have become some of the most successful modern day countries.