History of Liberalism

I bought a fantastic 1975 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica a few months ago. The articles on anarchy, conservatism, fascism, and liberalism are excellent. I learned more on these topics here than I have anywhere else in my 55 years. Here are some interesting notes on liberalism:

• Classical liberalism sought to shrink government power and responsibility.
• Modern liberalism seeks to expand government power and responsibility.
• Both are hostile to the concentration of power that threatens individual freedom and prevents individuals from reaching their potential.
• Liberalism promotes liberty and the pursuit of happiness.   

• Conservatives avoid change - presumably to preserve their privileged status.
• Radicals seek rapid change - presumably because they're desperate for a change.
• Liberals encourage useful change but try to avoid irrational change.

• Classical liberalism began in the Middle Ages.
• It was a movement to liberate the rising middle class from the authoritarian rule of aristocracies and monarchies.
• The middle class developed from merchants and craftsmen in cities--not from peasants working in agriculture under feudal lordship.
• The Industrial Age grew from the merchant class.
• Classical liberalism promoted Adam Smith economics.
• Over time industrialists grew into a new authoritarian class.
• Modern liberalism shifted focus towards liberating individuals from domineering industrialists.
• Liberals enlisted the aid of democratic governments to get the upper hand.
• They fought industrialists with trade unions and government regulations.
• Modern liberals promote Keynesian economics.

If you ever get a chance to buy an old set of Britannica, I highly recommended it. Sometimes there's nothing like reading a real book. And if you get an old edition, all the history and most of the biographies and sociology will still be up to date. Look on craigslist!

Reference:
"Liberalism", Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 1975, vol. 10, pp. 846-851.