Who are Liberals n n Liberals are people

Who are Liberals? n n Liberals are people who spoke mostly for the bourgeoisie or the middle classes. Liberals included business owners, bankers, and lawyers, as well as politicians, newspaper editors, writers and others who helped to shape public opinion. They spoke out against divine right monarchy, the old aristocracy, establishing churches, and the freedom of speech and strongly supported Laissez Faire. They defended Natural rights of individuals to liberty, equality and property.

Government n n Liberals wanted governments to be based on constitutions and separation of powers. Called for rulers elected by the people and responsible to them; most liberals favored a republican form of government over a monarchy. Early 1800’s, liberals saw the role of government as limited to protecting rights such as freedom of thought, speech, and religion. Believed only male property owners or others with a financial stake should have the right to vote. Liberals supported the principle The Universal Manhood Suffrage which all adult men the right to vote.

Nationalist Goals n n In the diverse Austrian empires, leaders tried to bring about reform and win independence for each particular group. In the 1800’s, nationalist groups who shared a common heritage set out to win their own state. The people with a common heritage felt a sense of identity and the goal of creativity to their own homeland, due to nationalism. However, nationalism later fed intolerance and led to persecution of the other ethnic, or national, groups.