Liberalism Overview and Key Figures

Overview of Liberalism

• Liberalism emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing individual freedom and rights.
• According to Milton Friedman, classic liberalism considers freedom the ultimate goal and prioritizes the individual as the highest authority in society.

Key Figures in Liberalism

• Prominent figures include:
  • John Locke: Advocate of individual rights and government by consent.
  • Montesquieu: Introduced the idea of separation of powers.
  • Thomas Jefferson: Key proponent of political rights in the American context.
  • Benjamin Franklin: Influential in promoting Enlightenment ideals.
  • John Stuart Mill: Emphasized liberty and utilitarianism.
  • François Quesnay: Economist contributing to classical liberal thought.
  • Adam Smith: Father of modern economics known for advocating free markets.

Types of Liberalism

• Political Liberalism

  • Advocates for liberties, individual rights, and legal equality.
  • Promotes separation of powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • Supports constitutions that protect basic human rights.
  • Argues for the right to vote in a representative government.

• Economic Liberalism

  • Stresses the significance of private property and business competition.
  • Supports principles allowing property and wealth accumulation.
  • Encourages capitalism, which drives business creation, industrialization, and economic growth.

• Social Liberalism

  • Creates a class-based society by differentiating people based on wealth.
  • Recognizes social hierarchy consisting of:
    • Upper class: Landowners and entrepreneurs.
    • Middle class: Professionals and bureaucrats.
    • Lower class: Working-class citizens, farmers, laborers, and unskilled workers.

Liberalism in Honduras

• Honduras was part of the Central American Federation from 1820 to 1830, which fostered liberal ideas.
• Notable liberal leaders included Manuel Jose Arce and Francisco Morazan.
• The initial liberal period in Central America was short-lived due to opposition from powerful entities, such as the Church and conservatives.
• By around 1840, Central America experienced a separation that curtailed liberal movements.