Why did liberalism emerge?

Answer 1

Liberalism emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries as a response to absolute monarchies, feudalism, and religious authority, driven by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, individual rights, and personal freedom. Thinkers like john Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for the protection of individual liberties, property rights, and democratic governance. The movement sought to create a political and economic system that promoted equality and limited government intervention, laying the groundwork for modern democratic societies. It also arose from the social and economic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, which fostered new ideas about citizenship and governance.