3.1.2 Problems with Classical Liberalism
Completion requirements
3.1.2 Problems with Classical Liberalism
"Slaves cutting the sugar cane, British colony of Antigua". Image taken from Ten Views in the Island of Antigua by William Clark 1823. Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Did everyone benefit from classical liberalism? While the implementation of classical liberal principles brought with it the promise of prosperity and freedom for everyone, the reality was much different.
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In most countries, the right to vote, the right to own property, and the right to act in self-interest were rights held only by property-owning white males. In those days, many people did not own their own homes or land. Therefore, the majority
in the country could not vote. Not everyone had political rights.
Consider the image. As you may recall from Social Studies 10-1, the imperialism that accompanied the Industrial Revolution led to the domination of Europeans over people in the lands they colonized. Slavery, or the ownership of human beings,
meant that thousands of African people were enslaved by the British, Spanish, and others from Europe. Many slaves were transported to the Americas where they were forced to work on plantations and in mines.
As well, First Nations in the Americas and other colonized people around the world had few rights.
As well, First Nations in the Americas and other colonized people around the world had few rights.
In addition to the discrimination practised against people of other races, the great freedoms of classical liberalism were not enjoyed by women. Women did not have the right to vote, and they were not even considered "persons" under the law
in many countries. Children had no special rights such as the right to an education or the right to be protected from dangerous working conditions.
At the same time that laissez-faire capitalism brought great wealth to entrepreneurs and industrialists, the working poor suffered under poor working conditions, terrible living conditions, and long hours of work for little pay. Children were
forced to work in factories and mines and as household servants so their families had enough to eat.
Although the Industrial Revolution changed the economies of the world dramatically, and classical liberalism led to greater rights for the middle and upper classes, its long-term effects on the working class are historically the subject of great debate. One group argues that the standard of living of the average worker improved during industrialization; another believes that the standard of living fell during this period. Whatever the short-term effect, industrialization leads eventually to an improved standard of living
for workers. However, in the short-term, there was a great deal of suffering for workers and their families; the working class did not experience a high (or improved) quality of life under classical liberalism.
Although the Industrial Revolution changed the economies of the world dramatically, and classical liberalism led to greater rights for the middle and upper classes, its long-term effects on the working class are historically the subject of great debate. One group argues that the standard of living of the average worker improved during industrialization; another believes that the standard of living fell during this period. Whatever the short-term effect, industrialization leads eventually to an improved standard of living
for workers. However, in the short-term, there was a great deal of suffering for workers and their families; the working class did not experience a high (or improved) quality of life under classical liberalism.
The Effectiveness of Classical Liberalism
Classical liberalism was based on ideals, including the idea of the "self-made man". According to liberal thought, when people are free to make their own choices about how hard to work and what to produce, they will prosper. The reality was much different. No matter how hard thousands of poor labourers worked, they could not get ahead. They were also unable to vote for fairer laws to protect all human rights equally. Classical liberalism also held a view that the government's role was small and should remain limited. It was to ensure only equal treatment under the law and to protect people and their property. As the gap between rich and poor widened, people began to challenge the effectiveness of classical liberal ideas in society.People responded to these social injustices in two ways:
- Reforming liberalism so that it met the needs of society
- Rejecting liberalism and proposing new ideas that would work better for more people
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Those who proposed a new form of liberalism believed that the poverty, squalor, and ignorance in which many people lived made it impossible for freedom and individuality to flourish. This led to a more inclusive and equal society, based on modern liberalism.
Others, notably Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, felt that capitalism itself was at fault and that the average person would never have his or her needs met as long as the wealthy class was allowed to profit from the labour of the working class.
Click to view larger image.
Absolute kings forced to swallow the pill of the Constitution", Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
"Absolute Kings Forced to Swallow Pill of Constitution" is the caption on this cartoon published in France in 1848. The cartoonists uses several techniques to poke fun at the rulers of Europe of the time.
Look closely at the image. Look for details and techniques that show the perspective of the cartoonist and the message behind the image.
Political cartoons use humour to convey serious political or economic ideas. What ideas about classical liberalism are conveyed in this cartoon?
In this unit, you will focus on developing your skills in analyzing sources. A source can be an illustration, poster, photograph, cartoon, or other visual work, or a piece of text. Looking and reading for details will help you interpret
the perspective reflected in the source. You will also develop your skills in explaining how the source relates to ideologies, the role of government, and the principles of liberalism.