American liberalism

American liberalism (also called modern liberalism) is a political current which claims descent from classical liberalism in terms of devotion to individual liberty, but generally rejects the laissez faire economics of classical liberalism in favor of institutions that promote social and economic equity. It is generally seen as beginning in the first decades of the 20th century, and achieving a political hegemony in the New Deal years that began to decline in the 1970s.

Early American liberalism

Thomas Paine is considered by many to be one of the earliest proponents of American liberalism. Paine advocated a liberal world view, considered radical in his day. He dismissed monarchy, and viewed all government as, at best, a necessary evil. He opposed slavery and was amongst the earliest proponents of social security, universal free public education, a guaranteed minimum income, and many other radical ideas now common practice in most democracies.

Related Topics:
Thomas Paine - Monarchy - Slavery - Social security - Public education - Guaranteed minimum income

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