Lesson Three: The Effects of Classical Liberalism

Duration - 1 block (80 mins + homework)

There were many positive outcomes of classical liberalism, such as the potential to amass great wealth, risk-taking and innovation.  However, although people were free to participate in the economy, many still lived in poverty.  As a result, people began to ask:

• Can someone who must work long hours for little pay just to survive truly be considered free?
• Is it fair that children who are poor are exploited by business owners, even though the children may choose to work?
• Are all people really equal when some (for example, women and visible minorities) do not have the same rights, such as the right to vote?
• Should not all individuals have the right to an education?

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