Classical liberalism is a philosophy committed to the ideal of
limited government,
liberty of individuals including
freedom of religion,
speech,
press,
assembly, and
free markets.
[1]
Classical liberalism developed in the 19th century in
Western Europe, and the
Americas. Although classical liberalism built on ideas that had already developed by the end of the 18th century, it advocated a specific kind of society, government and public policy required as a result of the
Industrial Revolution and urbanization.
[2] Notable individuals who have contributed to classical liberalism include
Jean-Baptiste Say,
Thomas Malthus and
David Ricardo.
[3] It drew on the economics of
Adam Smith, a psychological understanding of individual liberty,
natural law and
utilitarianism, and a belief in progress. Classical liberals established political parties that were called "liberal", although in the United States classical liberalism came to dominate both existing major political parties.
[1]
