Question

Why did political and economic liberalism stand for the middle class in france ?Explain?

Answer 1

Liberalism is a political and economic doctrine that emphasizes individual autonomy, equality of opportunity, and the protection of individual rights (primarily to life, liberty, and property), originally against the state and later against both the state and private economic actors, including businesses.

Answer 2

1. In France, during the 19th century the term liberal was used to refer to economic liberalism or the traditional liberal anti-clericalism.

2. The people were inspired by the ideas of liberal thinkers like Montesquieu and Voltaire. Lafayette, Francois Guizot and Benjamin Constant were some of the liberal leaders of France.

3. Economic liberalism was associated with the Orleanists and Opportunist Republicans. The Orleanists favoured constitutional monarchy.

4. The Radical Party was associated with political liberalism. It supported individual liberty and secularism.

For the middle class in France liberalism meant a constitutional limited government, rise of socialism and a welfare state, free trade, liberty and freedom of speech.