Liberalism In The Progressive Era

When trying to define a word such as Liberalism it seems difficult to find a solid definition. There are different forms of liberalism and different meanings depending on the time period it is being applied to (idea taken from Phil Badger author from philosophynow). To solve this ambiguity, I’ve decided to define liberalism based on the time period in which I will be conducting my research. Liberalism in the 1700s was the belief of freedom and equals rights generally associated with the enlightenment thinkers, John Locke and Montesquieu (as defined by wikipedia.org). Liberalism didn’t start in the 1700s. There is evidence of liberal ideas throughout western philosophy. Though, John Locke was the first to formally create the ideas of liberalism and categorize them as an ideology. Locke is considered the father of liberalism because of his works that addresses

Thomas Jefferson, the author of the declaration of independence, was heavily influenced by Locke’s beliefs. Jefferson believed that all men were created equal, which is a liberal view. The Constitution was also a liberal document that was important in this revolution. The first ten amendments of the Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights, granted natural born rights, an idea that the liberal thinkers developed and believed in. Liberalism as it pertains to the 1700s means to believe in freedom and equal rights. John Locke was the first to create this idea of liberalism. Locke’s views influence the many important people during the American Revolution. As we can see liberalism can be seen in the American Revolution. From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison we see liberal beliefs throughout the revolution. As I continue my research I will go through letters, books and diaries to find more evidence of how liberalism is present in the American