Exploring the roots of Liberalism The Iroquois Influence

Exploring the roots of Liberalism

The Iroquois Influence

Aboriginal Peoples The Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) ◦ Incorporated some key elements of liberalism: Rights and Freedoms People have the right to decide who leads them THE GREAT LAW of PEACE=CONSTITUTION Sometimes called the longest lasting democracy in the world Some people believe the makers of the American Constitution were inspired by the Iroquois.

Absolute Monarchs

Western Origins During the 1700’s Europe was dominated by absolute monarchs. Very few people enjoyed the freedoms we have today People began learning about the ideas of philosophers such as Locke and Rousseau and Adam Smith

New Ideas

Early Liberalism=Classical Liberalism Individual Rights and Freedoms should be protected Nobody should be above the law What is good for the individual is good for the community Most individuals will make good decisions Government intervention should be limited Individuals and companies should be allowed to create, market and sell products with limited government interference

Laissez Faire Economics AKA: Free Market Economy, Capitalism Individuals need to be given the freedom to make their own decisions Individuals 'selfishness and competiveness will inadvertently improve their own societies (INVISIBLE HAND)

Critique of the Invisible Hand?

That’s it